Live on Wednesday evening – Duplantis vs. Warholm: Showdown over the 100 meters – Sport

Armand Duplantis against Karsten Warholm: The athletics stars engage in an unusual duel over 100 m.

Armand Duplantis put on his most mischievous grin. “He should be nervous, this won’t be a walk in the park for him,” said the pole vault superstar to Karsten Warholm, and followed it up with a bittersweet memory: “I won at the Olympics – he came second.” The hurdle giant countered coolly: “Let’s see who is stronger.”

Duplantis against Warholm, superstar against superstar – the spectacular and extraordinary duel between the two exceptional talents is currently electrifying the athletics scene. On Wednesday there will be a showdown over 100 m in Zurich: Who is faster? The pole vault dominator Duplantis? Or 400 m hurdles giant Warholm? The idea came about a year ago during a little banter before a meeting, and now the time has come in the legendary Letzigrund Stadium.

Big show, big ambitions

Of course, the encounter is above all a big show. The two have the same supplier and a common major sponsor who will broadcast the duel live. And yet: Both will be serious about the race, neither wants to lose this race. “Karsten is a killer,” said Duplantis, but “I would never have challenged him to a race if I didn’t believe I could win.” And Warholm said: “I’m going all-in.”

Together, Duplantis and Warholm have won 16 medals at major championships, 14 of them gold, and both are world record holders in their disciplines. And the race is likely to be exciting. Warholm’s best time over 100 m is 10.49 seconds, Duplantis’ is 10.57 – but neither of them has seriously run this distance for years.