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Teen Armand Duplantis didn't win the Pre Classic pole vault, but he's earned his competitors' respect

EUGENE -- At 24 years old and owning an Olympic bronze medal and two NCAA titles, Sam Kendricks is one of the world's most accomplished pole vaulters and has only just entered his prime.

He added a Prefontaine Classic title Saturday afternoon at Hayward Field to his growing list of accomplishments, too, jumping 19 feet, 2 3/4 inches.

But not before a 17-year-old made him sweat.

Nearly two months after jumping a world-leading mark and three weeks after winning the Louisiana state high school meet for Lafayette High School, Armand Duplantis -- donning a Nike singlet but competing for Sweden -- finished fourth at the Pre at 18-8 3/4.