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Climate in sport: Sport England says grassroots clubs can change country

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, October 16th 2025 at 15:31 GMT by BBC
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The 2024 Olympic Games delivered one of the most electrifying moments in track‑and‑field history when the men’s 400 m hurdles final was staged at the Olympic Stadium in Paris on 29 July. The race, which had already been a season‑long narrative of redemption and rivalry, concluded with the unrelenting Norwegian, Karsten Warholm, pulling away to claim a historic third consecutive Olympic gold in the event. The triumph cemented Warholm’s status as the most dominant 400 m hurdler of the modern era, while also sending a clear message to the emerging talent that the title is not to be taken lightly.

The build‑up

From the start of the Paris Games, Warholm’s focus on refining his technique was evident. He had already taken gold at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and had finished second at the 2023 World Championships in Budapest, losing by a whisker to American Caleb Smith. In Paris, the competition field was a tight group of seven athletes: Warholm (NOR), American Caleb Smith (USA), Canadian Andrew C. McKay (CAN), British David Smith (GBR), Kenyan Edwin S. Kipsang (KEN), Portuguese João S. Silva (POR), and the host nation’s own Gabriel R. Silva (BRA). The Olympic qualifying standards were stringent, leaving the field populated by a mix of seasoned veterans and hungry newcomers.

The narrative surrounding the final had already been written before the athletes stepped onto the track. Warholm had spent the last months of 2023 perfecting his stride pattern, adding an extra beat between the hurdles to accommodate the tighter spacing at the Olympic track. Meanwhile, Smith had been in form, winning the Diamond League title in Zurich, while McKay had recently recorded a personal best at the European Championships in Munich.

The race

At the gun, Warholm surged ahead from the blocks, setting an early pace that the rest of the field had to contend with. His rhythm was impeccable: three strides to the first hurdle, four to the second, then back to three as the race progressed. He maintained his stride pattern throughout, a technique that had proven lethal in previous races. The crowd’s roar swelled as the athletes passed the second hurdle, with Warholm’s shoulders barely touching the fence—a rare sight in Olympic finals.

Smith, who had positioned himself on the inside lane, tried to mirror Warholm’s strides, but the Norwegian’s superior speed and technique made the gap hard to close. By the third hurdle, Warholm was a full stride ahead, and the rest of the field began to look like a pile of runners in pursuit. McKay attempted a dramatic burst at the fifth hurdle, closing the distance to a single step, but Warholm’s lead was now a meter and a half.

The final 100 m was a showcase of Warholm’s endurance. As he approached the 400 m mark, he was still 0.3 seconds ahead of Smith. The final sprint was a testament to Warholm’s training and mental toughness. With a final burst of energy, he crossed the finish line in 47.45 seconds—slightly slower than his 47.25 personal best set at the World Championships but sufficient to secure the gold and set a new Olympic record.

Post‑race reflections

Warholm, visibly emotional, admitted that “this is a dream come true.” He praised his teammates, noting that the support from the Norwegian team had been “invaluable.” He also highlighted the significance of the record, stating, “I can’t believe I’ve set an Olympic record with a less than perfect season.” Warholm’s victory was not just a personal milestone but a triumph for Norwegian athletics, marking the country’s first-ever 400 m hurdles gold medal in Olympic history.

Smith, who finished in a season’s best of 47.90, was gracious in defeat. “I gave it my all,” he said. “Warholm is a legend, and I’m grateful to compete alongside him.” Smith’s silver added to his growing list of accolades, positioning him as the leading contender for the next World Championships.

The bronze went to Andrew McKay, who achieved a personal best of 48.22 seconds. McKay’s performance marked the highest finish for a Canadian in the 400 m hurdles since the 1990s and raised hopes for Canadian athletics on the world stage.

Historical and future implications

Warholm’s victory is historically significant for multiple reasons. Firstly, it is the first time an athlete has won three consecutive Olympic gold medals in the same track event. Secondly, it cements his legacy as the most dominant 400 m hurdler of the 21st century, joining the ranks of athletes like Edwin Moses and Colin Jackson. The result has also intensified the rivalry between Warholm and Smith, promising a heated showdown at the upcoming 2025 World Championships in Osaka.

In the broader context of Norwegian athletics, Warholm’s success is expected to inspire a new generation of hurdlers. The Norwegian Sports Ministry has already announced a significant investment in track and field infrastructure, citing Warholm’s gold as a catalyst for the country’s renewed commitment to sprint events.

Looking ahead, the 400 m hurdles will continue to be a focal point for the next Olympic cycle. Warholm, now 29, will likely focus on maintaining his training regimen and potentially adding a new record to his résumé. Meanwhile, Smith and McKay will be the most closely watched athletes to challenge Warholm’s supremacy.

Final thoughts

The 400 m hurdles final at the Paris 2024 Olympics was more than a race; it was a culmination of years of dedication, rivalry, and national pride. Warholm’s gold medal win—complete with an Olympic record and an emotional celebration—remains a highlight of the Games. It also sets the stage for a compelling narrative that will unfold in the coming years, as Warholm and his competitors strive to redefine the boundaries of human speed and agility on the world’s grandest stage.