An unconventional challenge turned into the most anticipated track and field races of all time. Mondo Duplantis and Karsten Warholm might be friends off the track. But on September 4, the two locked horns at the Letzigrund Stadium. Odd? Yes. But the two Olympians have some experience when it comes to 100m sprints, albeit their last time being years ago. However, this didn’t stop many from picking sides. While some believed the Swede would have the upper hand due to the shorter distance, the Norwegian had a few backing him up too.

The anticipation had skyrocketed. While the crowds couldn’t stop cheering, a silence enveloped the stadium as they settled into the blocks side by side. But as soon as the gun went off, the Olympic pole vault champion took off, refusing to slow down. The hurdler tried his best to catch up to his competitor, but it wasn’t good enough. Duplantis crossed the finish line first, giving Warholm a killer side glance. He had earned the bragging rights after all.

When asked how he felt in the post-race interview, the Swede couldn’t stop smiling. “I’m pretty fired up. How could I not be? I mean, come on,” he said as he looked over at the crowd cheering him on. “Stop playing. Stop playing, stop playing with me.” But where there’s a reward, there’s a price to pay. The Norwegian was handed a Sweden singlet, and Mondo Duplantis couldn’t help but egg him on. “Be sure to watch this tomorrow, because this feels really good. It is going to feel even better tomorrow. This is all yours, brother. It’s all yours.” 

The world record holder in pole vault proposed the race in a training session. “I’m not saying I’m going to kick your as-, but I’ll give you a run for your money,” he told Warholm. When D-Day arrived, he went ahead and did just that. Quick off the blocks, the Swede held on to his lead from start to finish. With 10.37 seconds on the clock, he had ended a year-long debate. The Norwegian had to settle for second place by crossing the finish line in 10.47 seconds. 

But Karsten Warholm accepted his defeat with grace. “I’ve got to give it to Mondo, he was out the blocks fast. He beat me fair and square.” The Olympic pole vault champion brought back his ice-cold celebration from Paris. The 400m hurdles world record holder approached him, embracing each other after the win. They even shared a quiet moment watching the fireworks go off over the stadium. But what was the atmosphere like before the nail-biting event?

Mondo Duplantis and Karsten Warholm play it up for the crowd

As the nerves built up, the two were spotted in the training area, preparing for the one-of-a-kind event. While the Norwegian jumped over a few hurdles, Duplantis decided to test his speed on the other end. However, it was their walk into the stadium that raised the energy. Sporting boxing-style dressing gowns—blue for Mondo and red for Warholm—the two spoke to 2x world 100m hurdles champion Colin Jackson before they made their way to the blocks.

While both athletes had fun at the exhibition race, this won’t be the last time fans see them in Zurich. Mondo Duplantis and Karsten Warholm will contest their primary events at the Letzigrund Stadium on August 5. The only difference is you might see a double, with the Norwegian sporting the Sweden kit after his loss in Wednesday’s event. However, many still had one question in mind. Would the hurdler return to the 100m circuit again? “It’s going to be the last time, for sure,” he stated. Who did you think was going to clinch an effortless win?