Warholm eyes win in London stadium that kickstarted his career

Karsten Warholm on Saturday returns to the London Stadium where he won his first 400 metres hurdles world title in 2017, sparking riotous celebrations he has vowed not to repeat.

As a baby-faced 21-year-old, Warholm beat a host of favourites that rainy night in the British capital, apeing the famous painting 'The Scream' by fellow Norwegian Edvard Munch by putting his fingers round his mouth after crossing the line.

Warholm went on to complete a lap of honour wearing a Viking helmet in an image that truly caught the public's attention.

"It's one of my best memories. It was crazy," he said.

"It kicked off my career and changed everything.

"It was the day when I started to truly believe I could win big competitions."

Warholm added: "I think I invented the runner's high that evening. I don't think I'll celebrate like that again.

"It gives me very good vibes to be back in the stadium."

Back in 2017, Warholm had warned that track and field was like "porcelain -- you can crack at any time".

But the hurdler has disproved that, setting a memorable world record when winning Olympic gold in Tokyo in 2021 and three world titles.

He had to be content with Olympic silver at the 2024 Paris Games, while he has also bagged three European titles.

- Fear of the afterlife -

Warholm insisted he remained motivated and that there was no complacency despite his storied career thusfar.

"It's also the big fear of the afterlife," he said.

"I'm just pushing, I want to continue as long as possible. If you really want to stay at the level, you need to put the work in."

He added: "I've turned 30, I have some grey hairs. There's no other way to the top than working hard."

Warholm has had a mixed start to the season, finishing second in three races, twice in the 400m hurdles and once in the 300m hurdles.

"It's important for me now to try to get a win," he said.

"I've had a rough start to the season, beaten by (Brazilian rival Alison) Dos Santos a couple of times. I want a fast race and feel like the stride and pattern are there."

Warholm said it was important to "get some good races ahead of Birmingham", the English city which hosts the European championships in August.

"There are no races that are a given anymore."

Warholm insisted, however, he would not mirror Dutchwoman Femke Broeders-Bol, the two-time world 400m hurdles champion who has transformed herself into a 800m runner.

"I would probably have a bigger chance running with the women rather than the men!" he joked.

"It would be 400 metres too long."

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© Agence France-Presse