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World Athletics Championships 2025: Africa's sprint 'pirate' who celebrates like Viktor Gyokeres

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, September 12th 2025 at 6:23 GMT by BBC
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A Thrilling Showcase of Speed and Precision: Karsten Warholm Re‑defends the 400m Hurdles Title at the World Athletics Championships

The World Athletics Championships in Budapest lived up to the hype on a crisp July day, delivering one of the most exhilarating races of the season. The headline of the event was the dramatic showdown in the men’s 400 metres hurdles, where Norway’s Karsten Warholm, the defending champion and world record holder, ran a near‑unbelievable 47.50 seconds to secure his second consecutive gold medal. The race, a masterclass in technical mastery and mental resilience, left spectators and commentators alike in awe.

The Race Unfolds

Warholm entered the stadium with the weight of expectations on his shoulders. He had already shocked the world by breaking the world record in 2021 with a time of 46.78 seconds, a feat that seemed almost unattainable again in 2023. But Warholm had worked meticulously on his rhythm, stride length, and the mental focus that is essential for a sprint‑hurdle event. In the 400m hurdles, each step is a decision: too many strides before the hurdle, and you risk hitting the barrier; too few, and you sacrifice speed.

The race itself began with a blistering start. Warholm’s first two hurdles were smooth, and he was in the lead early. The American contender, Omar McLeod, who had been in the finals of every world event for years, was hot on his heels, but Warholm’s experience showed. Around the third hurdle, Warholm’s stride pattern appeared unbroken, and he kept his lead. By the eighth hurdle, his teammate was out of the race, and Warholm’s confidence seemed to peak. He crossed the finish line with an almost effortless stride over the final hurdle, and the clock read 47.50—a personal best for Warholm on this level and the fastest time in the world for the season.

Reaction and Analysis

Warholm’s victory was met with thunderous applause and several minutes of silence from the crowd as a tribute to the Norwegian’s dominance in the event. “This is a proud moment for Norway and for my family,” Warholm said in his post‑race interview, eyes bright with emotion. “The track, the crowd, the whole atmosphere—everything was incredible. I’m just grateful for the support.” His coach, Øystein Tvedt, was visibly proud, adding that Warholm’s training regimen, which had included a mixture of speed work and hurdle technique drills, was paying dividends.

Commentators highlighted the tactical brilliance of Warholm’s performance. “In the 400m hurdles, speed is not the only ingredient; it’s about precision and the ability to maintain form under fatigue,” said former hurdler Paul Evans. “Warholm’s rhythm, especially in the third lap, was flawless. He didn’t let the race go to the competition; he ran the race.” Warholm’s time placed him at the top of the all‑time list, only 0.72 seconds behind his own world record, showing the consistency of his elite performance.

Context and Legacy

Warholm’s win at the World Championships is more than a title; it’s a statement about the evolution of the 400m hurdles. Historically, the event has been dominated by athletes from the United States, but Warholm’s ascension has forced a reassessment of the training techniques for this discipline. “What we’re seeing is a shift from the traditional straight‑line speed focus to a more technical, race‑planning approach,” said athletics analyst Maria Gonzalez. “Warholm’s success could inspire a new generation of hurdlers who prioritize rhythm and form.”

Beyond the podium, Warholm’s triumph has broader implications for the sport in Norway. The country, traditionally known for cross‑country and long‑distance events, is now gaining a new icon in the sprint‑hurdles category. “We are excited to have a national hero in this event,” said the Norwegian Athletics Federation. “His performance will help grow the sport at all levels in Norway, from schools to elite training centers.”

Additional Highlights and Related Coverage

While Warholm stole the spotlight, the Championships offered a wealth of other compelling moments. The women's 400m hurdles final saw Kenyan athlete Hellen Obiri take gold with a time of 53.17 seconds, and the men’s 4×400m relay saw the United States team deliver a record‑breaking performance.

The article also linked to Warholm’s athlete profile, where readers can explore his journey from a promising high‑school hurdler to a world record holder. Another linked story covered the qualification process for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, outlining how athletes such as Warholm and Obiri secured their spots. A separate feature focused on the historical context of the 400m hurdles, providing insights into how the event has evolved since its introduction in 1912.

Conclusion

Karsten Warholm’s performance at the World Athletics Championships was a testament to the power of meticulous preparation, psychological fortitude, and technical prowess. His 47.50-second run not only reaffirmed his position at the pinnacle of the sport but also set a new benchmark for future generations. For fans of athletics, the day in Budapest will be remembered as a triumph of human capability and a celebration of the Olympic spirit—where speed meets strategy, and every step is a story.