Armand Duplantis has challenged hurdler star Karsten Warholm.
Now the Norwegian answers.
– I would not have stood up if I had known that I would have humiliated him, he says.
Armand Duplantis is completely superior in the pole vault and is fresh off a World Cup where he won his second straight gold. Just as superior in the 400 meter hurdles is the Norwegian Karsten Warholm. The Norwegian is a world record holder, has three straight WC golds and also won Olympic gold most recently.
Accepting the challenge
Warholm is one of the biggest stars in all of athletics, but in one discipline Mondo believes he is superior to the Norwegian. Earlier in the season, Duplantis shocked the athletics world by challenging Warholm in a 100m event. Mondo is the best pole vaulter of all time, but according to his own statement he is also an excellent sprinter, so much so that he could rival the 400 meter specialist Warholm.
Ahead of Thursday’s Diamond League gala in Zurich, at a press conference, Duplantis took up the challenge again – and Warholm was not slow to accept.
– I have somewhat mixed feelings. It’s been a long time since we both ran 100 meters, but I’d like to try. There are probably many who think I will run fast, but it is not like I will see a nine first, says Warholm according to SVT.
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Big word fight
Karsten Warholm claims to have a personal record for the distance of 10.52 – and according to Duplantis, there is no question of who is the favourite.
– I will be the “underdog”, says Duplantis.
However, Warholm adds:
– I have the most to lose.
However, Karsten Warholm is sure that he will not only win against Duplantis – he will crush him.
– I know Mondo wouldn’t have wanted this if he didn’t think he could win and I wouldn’t have stood up if I knew I would have humiliated him, says Warholm.
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