In an exhilarating showcase of speed and athleticism, two-time Olympic pole vault champion Armand Duplantis edged past his good friend and rival Karsten Warholm in a 100-meter exhibition race on Wednesday. The race, held at Zurich’s iconic Letzigrund Stadium on the eve of the Diamond League meet, saw Duplantis cross the finish line in an impressive 10.37 seconds.
Duplantis, affectionately known as “Mondo,” faced off against Norway’s Warholm, the world record holder in the 400-meter hurdles. The friendly duel was born from a season-long debate between the two athletes over who would reign supreme in a sprint.
“I’m pretty fired up,” Duplantis exclaimed after the race. “How could I not be? Competing against Karsten pushed me to give it my all.”
Warholm, who finished close behind with a time of 10.47 seconds, graciously acknowledged his friend’s victory. “I’ve got to give it to Mondo. He beat me today fair and square,” he said. “It was a great race. He was out of the blocks fast.”
The race highlighted the exceptional versatility of both athletes. While their sprint times may not qualify them for the Olympic 100-meter event, they undeniably showcased speed that rivals all but the most elite sprinters.
Adding a dash of camaraderie to the competition, Duplantis presented Warholm with a Sweden running vest after the race, which Warholm is set to wear during his hurdles event on Thursday.
Duplantis’s victory comes on the heels of his record-breaking performance at a Diamond League meet in Poland on August 25, where he set a new world record in the pole vault by clearing 6.26 meters. He also made history at the Paris Olympics, clearing 6.25 meters to clinch the gold medal.
The exhibition race not only entertained fans but also set an exciting tone for the upcoming Diamond League meet, where both athletes will return to their signature events. Their friendly rivalry and mutual respect continue to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide.
Reference(s):
Duplantis finishes exhibition 100-meter race in 10.37, beats Warholm
cgtn.com
