LAFAYETTE (KATC) – Just days after a shocking loss at the NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships, Mondo Duplantis penned a farewell letter to LSU, announcing he would leave the program.
“From the first day I pole vaulted, I knew if I was going to college, I was going to LSU,” Mondo said in his message which is attached below.
The Lafayette native and former Lafayette High state champion said he would seek sponsorship and focus on the World Championships and 2020 Olympics.
As a freshman at LSU he won the indoor national championship, and set the collegiate record during the SEC tournament. When KATC spoke to Mondo for KATC Sports Present: Raising the Bar, Mondo said winning that team SEC title, for the first time in nearly 30 years, was his favorite moment from the year.
“I have this added pressure where I’m not just playing for myself that I haven’t had, pretty much entire life.” he said. “I’m not just competing for my own sake or personal best. It’s got a bigger purpose now.”
Attending LSU for Mondo was never a slam dunk .He wanted to turn professional out of high school, but ultimately decided to follow family tradition and go to the school his mom, dad, and both older brothers attended.
“I’m writing to say thank you. Thank you to the fans for your unwavering support. Thank you to my teammates and coaches for pushing and inspiring me. Thank you to my family for giving me a path to follow. Thank you to LSU for giving me memories I’ll ever forget.”
Friendships and memories to last a lifetime. #foreverlsu #borntofly pic.twitter.com/LjNBx7Oalo
— Mondo Duplantis (@mondohoss600) June 10, 2019
