Pole Vaulter Armand Duplantis Outsprints Hurdler Karsten Warholm in 100m Exhibition Showdown in Zurich - Watch

Add as a preferred source on Google

Olympic pole vault champion Armand Duplantis emerged victorious over 400m hurdles specialist Karsten Warholm in a thrilling 100m exhibition race held in Zurich. The two athletics stars, who usually compete in different events, faced off on the track, giving fans an unexpected yet exciting spectacle ahead of the Diamond League meeting.

Duplantis, representing Sweden, clocked an impressive 10.37 seconds, securing the win after a fast start out of the blocks. His friend and competitor, Norway's Warholm, followed closely behind, finishing in 10.47 seconds. Both athletes posted personal bests in the race, highlighting their versatility and speed beyond their usual disciplines.

The race took place at Zurich's iconic Letzigrund Stadium, where both Duplantis and Warholm are set to compete in their respective events in the upcoming Diamond League on Thursday. Duplantis, known for his prowess in the pole vault, was thrilled with his performance.

"I'm pretty fired up," the 24-year-old told BBC after his win. "How could I not be? I mean, come on, stop playing with me."

A Friendly Rivalry with Boxing Flair

Adding a playful element to the competition, both athletes entered the track in boxing robes - Duplantis dressed in blue, while Warholm sported red. The lighthearted rivalry was evident throughout, with Duplantis presenting Warholm with a Sweden jersey as a playful gesture after the race. Warholm, always gracious in defeat, acknowledged Duplantis' well-deserved victory.

"I got to give it to Mondo, he beat me, fair and square, so it was a great race," said Warholm, 28. "He was out the blocks fast. He was out really sharp."

Despite the unusual nature of the race, the athletes' times were impressive enough that both would have qualified for the preliminary round of the men's 100m at the Paris 2024 Olympics with their respective finishes.

Both Athletes Set to Compete in Diamond League

For Duplantis, this victory comes as another highlight in a remarkable season. He successfully defended his Olympic pole vault title in Paris, setting a world record. He later improved on that performance by jumping 6.26 meters at the Diamond League meeting in Silesia.

Warholm, the current world record holder and a three-time world champion in the 400m hurdles has also had a standout career. However, he narrowly missed defending his Olympic title in Paris 2024, finishing second to American Rai Benjamin in the 400m hurdles final.

Before this exhibition, Duplantis had a previous 100m best of 10.57 seconds, achieved during high school in the United States in 2018. Warholm's prior recorded 100m sprint came in 2017 when he clocked 10.49 seconds.

This friendly competition between two athletics legends only adds to the anticipation as they return to their main events in the Diamond League.