"Mondo" before the duel: "Haven't touched a pole since the Olympic Games"

When Armand Duplantis enters a track and field arena, he is usually sure to win. Not this time. But I feel that I should be able to beat him, says the pole vault star ahead of the 100-meter duel against Norway's Karsten Warholm.

» Updated:

» Published:

"Mondo" before the duel: "Haven't touched a pole since the Olympic Games"
Photo: Magnus Lejhall/TT

Share this article

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.

Tags

Author

TTT
By TTEnglish edition by Sweden Herald, adapted for local and international readers

More news

Mikael Backlund Signs Two-Year Contract Extension with Calgary Flames

Mikael Backlund Signs Two-Year Contract Extension with Calgary Flames

Amo HK Stuns Sävehof for First Victory in Five Years

Amo HK Stuns Sävehof for First Victory in Five Years

Bodø/Glimt Secures Draw in Champions League Debut Against Slavia Prague

Bodø/Glimt Secures Draw in Champions League Debut Against Slavia Prague

Isak Debuts for Liverpool in 3-2 Champions League Win Over Atlético

Isak Debuts for Liverpool in 3-2 Champions League Win Over Atlético

Västerås IK Names Six Captains for Upcoming Hockey Allsvenskan Season

Västerås IK Names Six Captains for Upcoming Hockey Allsvenskan Season

Taylor Townsend Apologizes for Chinese Food Joke

Taylor Townsend Apologizes for Chinese Food Joke

Finland Faces Historic Javelin Setback at World Championships

Finland Faces Historic Javelin Setback at World Championships

Finland Faces Historic Javelin Setback at World Championships

Finland Faces Historic Javelin Setback at World Championships

Pihlström Finishes Eleventh in Tokyo World Championship 1500m

Pihlström Finishes Eleventh in Tokyo World Championship 1500m

Lamine Yamal to Miss Barcelona's Champions League Opener vs Newcastle

Lamine Yamal to Miss Barcelona's Champions League Opener vs Newcastle

Edlund's Boil Disrupts 400m Hurdles at World Championship

Edlund's Boil Disrupts 400m Hurdles at World Championship

Thobias Montler Frustrated by Hurdle Races Disrupting Long Jump Performance

Thobias Montler Frustrated by Hurdle Races Disrupting Long Jump Performance

Government Allocates Half a Billion Kronor for Sports Facilities Expansion

Government Allocates Half a Billion Kronor for Sports Facilities Expansion

Henrik Larsson Sets Personal Best but Misses Direct Semifinal Spot

Henrik Larsson Sets Personal Best but Misses Direct Semifinal Spot

Felicia Granat's Cruciate Ligament Injury Sidelines Her for 2025-2026 Season

Felicia Granat's Cruciate Ligament Injury Sidelines Her for 2025-2026 Season

Real Madrid's Trent Alexander-Arnold Out for Weeks with Injury

Real Madrid's Trent Alexander-Arnold Out for Weeks with Injury

Björn Borg Opens Up About Cocaine Addiction in New Autobiography

Björn Borg Opens Up About Cocaine Addiction in New Autobiography

Tokyo World Championship: Humidity Challenges Asthmatic Runner

Tokyo World Championship: Humidity Challenges Asthmatic Runner

More Swedish Football Clubs Criticize Police Directives

More Swedish Football Clubs Criticize Police Directives

Footballer Thomas Partey Denies Rape Allegations in London Court

Footballer Thomas Partey Denies Rape Allegations in London Court