Karsten Warholm, the Olympic 400m hurdles gold medalist and world record holder, is gearing up for his long-awaited outdoor debut just 57 days ahead of the Paris Olympics. Taking to his home track in Oslo for the sixth meeting on the Diamond League circuit, Warholm aims to defend his Olympic title with new running shoes designed to give him a faster finish.
After his season opener at the World Indoor Championships in Glasgow, where he narrowly missed gold in the 400m flat, Warholm has been diligently training for his outdoor campaign. He expressed confidence in his preparation, aiming to arrive in Paris in top form.
Following his Oslo debut, Warholm will compete at the European Athletics Championships in Rome. However, he remains flexible about his schedule beyond that, preferring to make decisions based on circumstances as they arise.
Warholm faces tough competition in Oslo from Brazilian Alison Dos Santos and Kyron McMaster of the British Virgin Islands. Still, as the home favorite, he is expected to rise to the challenge.
The Bislett Games in Oslo will feature six reigning Olympic champions, including Warholm, Shericka Jackson, Marcell Jacobs, Jakob Ingebrigtsen, Joshua Cheptegei, and Daniel Stahl. With such a stellar lineup, the event promises thrilling competition and serves as a significant milestone on the road to Paris.
Meanwhile, Norwegian athlete Jakob Ingebrigtsen, who aims for double Olympic gold in Paris, is also preparing for the Bislett Games. Despite a slow comeback from injury, Ingebrigtsen exudes confidence and determination to succeed in both the 1500m and 5000m events.
The men's 5000m race, featuring Cheptegei, Jacob Kiplimo, Yomif Kejelcha, and Hagos Gebhriwet, is anticipated to be a fast-paced showdown. Additionally, the 100m event will showcase Jacobs against formidable competitors like Yohan Blake and Brandon Hicklin.
As athletes like Warholm and Ingebrigtsen gear up for their Olympic campaigns, the Bislett Games offer a glimpse into the exciting competitions to come in the French capital.
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