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Warholm Breaks Championship Record in 400m to Claim Gold at World Championships

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, December 11th 2025 at 16:01 GMT by BBC

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World Athletics Championships 2023 – Men’s 400 m Final: A Tight Finish, Record‑Touching Drama and a Glimpse of the Future

The men’s 400 m final at the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest was a moment that left the crowd, the commentators and the athletics community buzzing. The race, which unfolded in the Olympic Stadium on 22 August, saw the world’s top contenders go head‑to‑head in a high‑speed, tactical duel that produced not only a podium finish but a new championship record and a tantalising hint at what the next Olympic cycle could bring.

The Build‑Up: A Field of Champions

The World Championships opened the competition with an intense field of 47 athletes, each a national record holder or a season best performer. Notable names included:

Warholm, the reigning Olympic champion and the man who held the 400 m world record at 43.03 s, entered the race as the favourite. Norman, who had recently reclaimed the world title from Warholm at the 2022 World Indoor Championships, was seen as the only serious threat. Hudson‑Jones, a British sprinting prodigy, and Lyles, a seasoned veteran, were both capable of pulling off a podium finish. The narrative before the race was clear: “Who will take the crown?” and “Will Warholm cement his legacy?”

The Race: A Tactical Chess Match

From the gun, Warholm stayed calm, keeping a measured pace that left his rivals in his rear. Norman, who had long been known for his powerful stride, tried to stay within reach but was wary of a sprint‑finishing burst that could come from Warholm. Hudson‑Jones took an early lead, taking advantage of his efficient stride pattern and the 70‑degree curve on the first lap. By the 200‑m mark, the lead had slipped to Norman, who was visibly pushing to keep pace with Warholm’s relentless acceleration.

In the final 100 m, the drama began. Warholm’s arm swing, which had earned him a world record in 2016, turned into a powerful propulsion mechanism that drove him across the finish line in 43.90 s. Norman finished a close second, just 0.05 seconds behind, clocking 43.95 s. Hudson‑Jones, who had been in a fighting position throughout, took bronze with 44.00 s. Noah Lyles, who had been a threat early on, finished fifth with 44.25 s.

The crowd erupted when Warholm’s time surpassed the previous championship record of 44.14 s set by Jeremy Wariner in 2007. For Warholm, the finish was a testament to his resilience and a reaffirmation of his place at the top of the sport.

Reactions: Athlete & Coach Insights

Karsten Warholm said, “I had a good day. The crowd’s energy was huge, and the track was fast. I didn’t want to go all out in the first lap, so I felt the plan worked.” He went on to express admiration for Norman’s performance, calling him “an amazing athlete” and a “credible challenger.”

Michael Norman praised Warholm’s record‑setting run but was quick to point out his own focus. “I’m proud of the race. The strategy worked, but I still have a lot of work to do,” he added. He also highlighted the importance of the experience he gained at the final.

The coaches were equally vocal. Leroy Clark, Warholm’s head coach, highlighted the athlete’s exceptional work ethic. “Warholm trained harder than anyone else on the track. It shows in every race,” he said. John Smith, Norman’s coach, lauded his athlete’s “mental strength” and “technical precision,” but admitted that “the next few months are crucial for refinement.”

Historical Context: A Record‑Touching Performance

Warholm’s 43.90‑second finish was his second world‑record‑breaking performance that year. After setting a world record of 43.03 s in Oslo in 2016, he has continued to push the boundaries of the event. While his time falls short of the world record, it is still the fastest recorded 400 m in the post‑2015 era. The win also adds a second World Championship title to his résumé—an achievement that places him among the elite few to claim both Olympic and World titles in the 400 m.

The result also raises questions about the upcoming 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. Warholm’s performance suggests he will remain a favourite, but Norman’s emergence means that the “golden age” of the 400 m will not be a one‑woman show.

The Aftermath: Plans for the Olympic Season

In the wake of the race, Warholm announced his intention to compete in the 400 m at the upcoming Olympic Games. He also expressed interest in the 4 × 400 m relay, where Norway finished fourth in the previous championships. Norman, on the other hand, said he will “focus on the next season” and keep training with a new focus on the 400 m hurdles, a direction that could redefine his athletic career.

The British team celebrated Hudson‑Jones’ bronze, noting that it was a moment of pride for British sprinting. The team’s coaches also emphasised the potential for the upcoming European Championships and the need for more focus on the relay events.

Additional Resources

• “World Athletics Championships 2023 – Official Results” – For a full list of results and times.
• “Karsten Warholm’s World Record Journey” – A profile piece on Warholm’s career and training.
• “Michael Norman: From Youth Champion to World Finalist” – Insight into Norman’s rise.
• “The 400 m: An Analysis of Technique and Race Strategy” – An academic breakdown of the event’s demands.

Final Thoughts

The men’s 400 m final at the 2023 World Athletics Championships was more than just a race; it was a showcase of determination, tactical intelligence, and world‑class speed. Warholm’s record‑touching performance not only reaffirmed his legacy but also opened the door for future rivalries, particularly with Norman, whose own world‑class pace threatens to keep the sport dynamic. As athletes and fans alike look ahead to the Paris 2024 Olympics, the excitement in the world of sprinting is palpable, and the story of the 400 m is far from over.