Tokyo Olympics: Warholm shatters world record to win 400m hurdles gold
Norway’s Karsten Warholm shattered the world record to claim gold in an epic 400m hurdles at the Olympics on Tuesday as Germany’s Malaika Mihambo soared to victory in the long jump.
One of the most eagerly anticipated events of the Olympic track and field programme, the 400m hurdles lived up to its billing as world champion Warholm produced a jaw-dropping performance in fierce midday sun at Tokyo’s Olympic Stadium.
The 25-year-old stormed over the line in an incredible 45.94 seconds, slicing a massive 0.8sec off his own world mark of 46.70 set in Oslo last month.
Long-time USA rival Rai Benjamin pushed Warholm hard in the home straight and took silver in another blistering time of 46.17sec, the second fastest in history.
Brazil’s Alison dos Santos narrowly missed ducking inside the old world record, clocking 46.72sec to take bronze.
Warholm roared in apparent disbelief as he spotted his winning time, dropping to his knees and ripping open his running vest.
“I always say that the perfect race doesn’t exist, but this is the closest I’ve come to a perfect race,” Warholm said.
Karsten Warholm held off US rival Rai Benjamin in the home straight of the 400m hurdles
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The two-time world champion said he decided to set a furious pace from the gun in order to “stress” his rivals.
“After that I just ran for my life,” he said. “I would have died for that gold medal today.”