At 21.30 on Wednesday evening, it will once and for all be decided who is the best sprinter between Armand Duplantis, the world's best pole vaulter, and Karsten Warholm, the world record holder in the 400 meter hurdles.
Duplantis has had the duel at Letzigrund Stadium in Zurich in sight ever since he took Olympic gold, on a new world record height, in Paris a month ago.
Karsten has the advantage of being more used to starting blocks. But after the Olympic Games, apart from the competitions I've been in (also a world record in Poland), I haven't touched a pole. I've only focused on starting blocks, says Duplantis at a press conference the day before the race.
Handshake in Monaco
Duplantis started talking about running 100 meters already a couple of years ago. During a joint training session in Monaco last year, Karsten Warholm began to get interested in the idea, and in the end, they shook hands on it.
From then on, there was no turning back.
I wouldn't have shaken his hand if I didn't believe in myself. "Mondo" is really world-class. That's why this is going to be so much fun. I'll give him everything I've got, and I know he'll do the same, says Warholm.
Armand Duplantis is also confident. But it's still a different feeling than he usually has before a competition.
Nervous is maybe not the right word, but I feel it. I'm less confident now than when it comes to pole vaulting, says Duplantis.
It makes me happy to hear, Warholm responds quickly.
"Will hurt"
As a high school student, Duplantis ran 100 meters in 10.57 seconds. Now, in his first race since 2018, the 24-year-old is aiming for a time around 10.30. Warholm ran 100 meters in 10.49 seven years ago.
When I did block starts in high school, it was top speed that was my strength. But I'm much more explosive now than I was then. I can probably maintain top speed over 200 meters. I think I'll get a good start and be good for the first 50-60 meters, and then it's just about running, says Duplantis.
I'm not going into this with any other thought than that I'm going to win.
The one who loses can also expect some kind of penalty, confirm the two combatants.
It was "Mondo's" idea, says Warholm.
You'll find out tomorrow. But it will hurt, says Duplantis.
