What started as a fun show event ended with an impressive athletic performance. Armand Duplantis beat Karsten Warholm in a 100-meter race, leaving the audience stunned with his speed.
Duplantis wins 100-meter showdown against Warholm
Pole vault star Armand Duplantis emerged victorious in a 100-meter race against Norwegian hurdler Karsten Warholm. The Swedish athlete, known for his world record in pole vaulting, won the friendly competition in Zurich with an impressive time of 10.37 seconds. Warholm, despite setting a personal best of 10.47 seconds, couldn’t keep up with Duplantis’ lightning start. Interestingly, Duplantis’ time would have qualified him for the finals at both the Swedish and German championships.
The race was the result of a friendly challenge, initiated by Duplantis, who is four years younger than Warholm. Both athletes had agreed to face off after the Swede, who also excels in the long jump with over seven meters, called out his Norwegian rival.
Warholm to wear Swedish jersey in Diamond League
Following the race, Warholm jokingly mentioned that he would have to wear a Swedish jersey at the upcoming Diamond League event in Zurich. “This will definitely be the last time,” he laughed, praising his friend and competitor for the quick start. Duplantis, nicknamed “Mondo,” responded with a playful jab: “I’m feeling pretty good. Stop messing with me.”
Both athletes appeared relaxed before the race, standing face-to-face and exchanging smiles. Dressed like boxers, Warholm sported a red bathrobe while Duplantis wore blue. The atmosphere was light-hearted, with both athletes sharing the stage with ease.
Duplantis’ continued dominance in pole vault
Duplantis, who recently broke his own pole vault world record with a jump of 6.26 meters, has been in top form. The 24-year-old previously set a record of 6.25 meters during his second Olympic gold win. Meanwhile, Warholm, who won silver in the 400-meter hurdles in Paris, came into the race with a personal best of 10.49 seconds from 2017.
The 100-meter event took place as part of a unique blend of sports and entertainment, scheduled just before the traditional Diamond League meeting in Zurich. The event, aimed at attracting a younger audience, reflects a growing trend in athletics to experiment with new formats and increase engagement in the sport.
