Karsten Warholm of Norway ran the 400m hurdles in 46.70 seconds in front of his home supporters in the Diamond League meeting in Oslo on Thursday, breaking Kevin Young’s 29-year-old world record. Warholm broke Young’s record of 46.78 seconds, established four years before the Norwegian was born and the longest-standing record in men’s track and field.
The outcome establishes the 400m hurdles as one of the most appealing events at the Olympic Games, which will take place from July 23 to August 8. In the Japanese city, Warholm will face off against arch-rival Rai Benjamin, who won the US trials in a remarkable 46.83sec last month, but the two are also set to clash in Monaco.
“I knew that I had a fast time in my body,” said Warholm. “It might take another world record to win the Olympics. This is my first 400m hurdles of the season so I really think there is more in the tank. It would be sad if my first race was the best.” He added.
