Zurich to Host Unique Sprint Showdown Between Track Legends

ZURICH (AP) — In an unprecedented athletic event, pole vaulting sensation Armand “Mondo” Duplantis is set to compete against Karsten Warholm, the fastest 400-meter hurdler in history, in a 100-meter sprint. The race is scheduled for September 4 in Zurich, Switzerland, just a day before the city’s prestigious Diamond League meet, as announced by event organizers on Wednesday. Duplantis, who recently shattered his own pole vault world record at the Paris Olympics, will face Warholm, who holds the 400-meter hurdles world record established during the Tokyo Olympics. Both athletes have previous experience in the 100-meter dash, with Warholm recording a time of 10.49 seconds in 2017 and Duplantis clocking 10.57 seconds in 2018. The Swedish pole vaulter made headlines by clearing an impressive 6.25 meters (20 feet, 6 inches) in Paris, marking his ninth world record in the event. Meanwhile, Warholm continues to hold his 400-meter hurdles record of 45.94 seconds, a time that remains unbeaten since the Tokyo Games. In the recent Paris race, Warholm secured a silver medal, finishing behind American Rai Benjamin. This unique matchup promises to draw significant attention, showcasing the extraordinary talents of two of track and field's most celebrated athletes in a sprinting contest that diverges from their primary disciplines.