+ Duplantis' previous challenge
As early as two years ago, Armand Duplantis started talking about running 100 meters. During a press conference in Ostrava, Czech Republic, he quickly got a response from Jamaican star Shelly-Ann Fraser Pryce.
So you say you can run 100 meters against me?
The Swede acted just as quickly.
I would beat you, yes.
Shortly afterwards, the duo shook hands and promised each other that the race would take place.
A promise that was never fulfilled.
+ New challenge in Zurich
For the pole vault star, who won gold at the Paris Olympic Games with a world record of 6.25 meters – a height he increased by one centimeter in Poland – the sprint dream is now becoming a reality. For the first time since 2018 and his school days in the USA, the 24-year-old will get ready in the starting blocks.
By his side is another world record holder: 28-year-old Norwegian Karsten Warholm, who normally runs 400 meters hurdles.
+ Why the stars meet
The duel at Letzigrund Stadium began with playful banter during a training session in Monaco last year. Once again, the pole vaulter stated that he would win. An attitude that made Warholm, fresh from winning Olympic silver in Paris, unable to do anything but accept the challenge.
+ What awaits the stars?
100 meters is something different from what Duplantis and Warholm normally do. For the Swede, who is fast on the approach run, it's about getting his powers to last over the approximately double distance he normally has to the pole vault pit. Warholm needs to reach his top speed much faster than he's used to.
+ Strengths and weaknesses
Endurance shouldn't be a problem for Warholm, as he's trained for 400 meters hurdles. Moreover, he's used to starting blocks and taking off when the starting pistol fires. On the other hand – once again – his acceleration is a question mark. Duplantis is the fastest pole vaulter in the world and does a lot of sprint training. However, he's not used to starting blocks or starting pistols.
+ How will it go?
During his last high school year, Duplantis ran 100 meters in 10.57 seconds and is now aiming to cross the finish line in 10.30. Warholm? A joint sponsor's calculation, based on Warholm's season best on 400 meters hurdles (46.70), suggests that 100 meters without hurdles should take 11.67. A smooth race will be faster. In 2017, he ran 100 meters in 10.49.
Anders Wallin/TT
Facts: Armand Duplantis
TT
Born: November 10, 1999 in Lafayette, Louisiana, USA.
Event: Pole vault.
Selection of merits: Olympic gold 2024, 2020, World Championship gold 2022, 2023, World Championship gold (indoor) 2022, 2024, European Championship gold 2018, 2022, 2024. Set a world record – for the tenth time – in Katowice, Poland, when he cleared 6.26 meters.
Born: February 28, 1996 in Ulsteinvik, Norway.
Event: 400 meters hurdles.
Selection of merits: Olympic gold 2020, World Championship gold 2017, 2019, 2023, European Championship gold 2018, 2022, 2024. Olympic silver 2024. With 45.94 at the Tokyo Olympic Games, he is the world record holder.
