We are hours away from one of the Zurich Diamond League’s most anticipated events! Karsten Warholm and Armand ‘Mondo’ Duplantis will contest in a thrilling 100m dash. Both athletes have had an incredibly successful stint at the Paris Olympics. While the latter broke his own world record for the 9th time in his career, winning his 2nd Olympic gold, the former left the French capital with a shiny Olympic silver. Even though they both have never dabbled in the 100m, they are looking forward to setting the track ablaze at the Letzigrund Stadium Zurich.

When the Swedish pole vaulter challenged him at a training session in 2023, the 28-year-old couldn’t help but accept it. However, what may have started as a joke has now turned into something bigger than ever. Both athletes are as confident as ever, hoping to beat the other to the finish line. However, the 400m Hurdles superstar has a few tricks up his sleeves, and he’s revealed one of them. He has sprinting legend Usain Bolt in his corner.

Preparing for the epic showdown, Karsten Warholm reached out to the 8x Olympic champion, hoping to pick his brain. He even sent the fastest man alive videos of himself. However, the Jamaican had some words of advice. “You shouldn’t walk out the blocks, you should push.” The 2024 Paris Olympics silver medalist was quick to add, “But I’ve done a few block starts since I sent him those videos.” Have the nerves begun to set in for the ‘Viking’?

In a September 3 press conference, the 3x World Champion confessed, “I’m actually like 100 per cent confident [I could win].” What about the man who brought this challenge on in the first place?“I feel good and I’m definitely on the level to compete with this guy, so I don’t have worries about that.” He exhibits impressive speed in 40-50m with a pole in his hand. Mondo Duplantis seems optimistic about his chances over the 400m world record holder. 

Have the two ever run the 100m distance? While their sport involves sprinting, they have never contested in the event. However, Karsten Warholm ran the distance in a personal best time of 10.49 seconds in 2017. On the other hand, Mondo last ran his personal best of 10.57 seconds in 2018. But don’t just believe the numbers. The two have never locked horns in the arena, so who will emerge victorious in Zurich? We will have to wait and watch. 

There’s more to Karsten Warholm’s connection to Usain Bolt than meets the eye

The Norwegian had come incredibly close to shattering the 400m world record at the 2017 and 2019 World Championships. But he still believes that nothing could beat brushing elbows with none other than Usain Bolt. “One of the coolest moments of 2020 was when Usain started following me on Instagram, and we had a little chat in the DMs (Direct Messages), that was big for me.” Always having held the legendary sprinter in high regard, the 28-year-old was beside himself. 

Karsten Warholm continued, “To be honest, I’m one of the biggest fans of Usain, growing up, seeing Usain run, I’m a huge fan, and I will be a fan forever.” Even though Bolt hung his shoes up long ago, the Norwegian believes he opened the floodgates for track and field. However, the Norwegian’s dazzling performance at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics had his name associated with Bolt’s yet again. In the 400m hurdles, he stunned the track and field community by claiming an Olympic gold medal as his own!

In a stacked lineup with the likes of Rai Benjamin, Alison dos Santos, and more, the 28-year-old blazed past his competitors in a world record time of 45.94 seconds. With this, he became the only hurdler in history to reach sub-46. But he also shaved 0.76 seconds off the previous record. Benjamin trailed after him in 46.17 seconds, while Dos Santos completed the podium in 46.72 seconds on the clock. Colin Jackson was blown away by witnessing this feat. 

The 2x world 100m hurdles champion only had one thing to say. “When you talk about world records, this is up there with Usain Bolt’s time of 9.58 seconds in the 100-meter [sprint]. This is one of the most outstanding world records, and I’m pretty sure that world record will outlive me.” From being compared to your icons to now confiding in him, Warholm has come a long way. But will his backing help catapult Karsten Warholm to victory against Mondo Duplantis in Zurich?