In an electrifying display of speed and camaraderie, two-time Olympic pole vault champion Armand Duplantis, affectionately known as \"Mondo,\" triumphed over his friend and world record-holding 400-meter hurdler Karsten Warholm in an exhibition 100-meter race at Zurich's Letzigrund Stadium.
Duplantis crossed the finish line in an impressive 10.37 seconds, narrowly edging out Warholm, who completed the race in 10.47 seconds. The friendly competition took place on the eve of the city’s Diamond League meet, adding extra excitement for the spectators.
Reflecting on his victory, Duplantis shared his enthusiasm: \"I'm pretty fired up. How could I not be?\" Warholm, gracious in defeat, praised his friend's performance. \"I've got to give it to Mondo. He beat me today fair and square. It was a great race. He was out of the blocks fast,\" Warholm commented.
The idea for the exhibition race sparked earlier this season as the duo debated who would emerge faster over the sprint distance. While neither athlete's time qualifies them for the Olympic men's 100-meter event, their performances were commendable, surpassing all but the world's elite sprinters.
Demonstrating their strong friendship, Duplantis gifted Warholm a Sweden running vest, which Warholm is set to wear in his upcoming hurdles race.
Duplantis has had a remarkable year, breaking the pole vault world record three times, including a stunning 6.26 meters at a Diamond League meet in Poland on August 25 and a 6.25-meter record at the Paris Olympics, where he also secured a gold medal.
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Duplantis finishes exhibition 100-meter race in 10.37, beats Warholm
cgtn.com