VIDEO: Watch How Mondo Duplantis defeated Karsten Warholm in a 100metres race
In an unexpected but thrilling head-to-head, Swedish pole vault sensation Mondo Duplantis outpaced Norwegian 400m hurdles world champion Karsten Warholm in a 100-metre sprint on the eve of the Weltklasse Wanda Diamond League in Zurich.
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Despite the theatrics and friendly rivalry leading up to the race, it was clear from the starting gun who would claim victory. Duplantis, known for his world-record-breaking feats in pole vault, surged ahead from the blocks and never looked back, crossing the finish line in a personal best time of 10.37 seconds.
Warholm, who clocked 10.47 seconds, also set a personal record, shaving 0.02 seconds off his lifetime best. Despite his defeat, Warholm praised his friend and competitor. "I’ve got to give it to Mondo – he beat me fair and square. He got out of the blocks really fast. It was a great race," the Norwegian champion said.
The playful rivalry had been brewing since Duplantis laid down the challenge in Monaco last year, with both athletes eager to prove their sprinting abilities. Duplantis, clearly thrilled by his win, remarked, “I love to sprint. It’s the greatest thing ever. That split second before the gun goes off – there’s no better feeling.”
Warholm, meanwhile, admitted he had sought advice from sprint legend Usain Bolt on improving his block starts but will now face an amusing forfeit. As per Duplantis' post-race terms, Warholm will have to wear a Swedish uniform during the 400m hurdles event at the same venue on Thursday.
The fun-filled showdown was a highlight for the packed grandstand, including 2022 world 100m champion Fred Kerley, who had even practiced starts with Duplantis ahead of the race.
Watch the video below;
🎥 Pole Vaulter Mondo Duplantis 🇸🇪 defeats 400m hurdler Karsten Warholm 🇳🇴 over 100m, clocking 10.37s
— World Athletics Hub (@wldathleticshub) September 4, 2024
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📸 @CitiusMag @WeltklasseZH pic.twitter.com/EV6NbuiwNB
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Watch Mondo Duplantis 🇸🇪 beat Karsten Warholm 🇳🇴 over 100m in a head to head at the Zurich Diamond League!!
— Track & Field Gazette (@TrackGazette) September 4, 2024
He clocked a remarkable 10.37s!
As a result of this defeat, Warholm has to compete tomorrow in Swedish kits, according to Colin Jackson.pic.twitter.com/eqTzqgVAOb