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On September 4, 2024, the famous “Letzigrund” stadium in Zurich will host an unprecedented confrontation. Two world record holders from very different events will compete in a thrilling 100m sprint, pushing their usual boundaries and entering a new dimension.
Swedish pole vault star Mondo Duplantis, riding on the heels of his Olympic victory and world record jump in Paris, will change his pole with pure speed. Alongside him, Norwegian 400m hurdles ace Karsten Warholm will leave the hurdles and test his skills on the flat.
Taking place the night before the Diamond League, this spectacular event looks set to be a truly engaging mix of raw sportsmanship and friendly competition. And the Letzigrund Stadium, which has seen its big moments, will make a truly perfect stage.
When these amazing athletes step outside their normal events (but not their comfort zones), we all want to see a race that celebrates friendly competition and showcases the full range of two of track and field’s greatest performers.
The challenge and the contenders
This all happened when a social media video in July 2023 showed Duplantis and Warholm half-joking about each other’s races.
This gave rise to the idea of ​​a race that has track and field fans abuzz with excitement. Fans and other athletes loved the concept and clamored for it. Over time, it turned into something that would actually happen. Of course, this was also motivated by the athletes’ mutual admiration and desire to compete. After all, this shows that fans who collect calls and social networks can quickly create exciting teams in today’s sports. More power to the people is what we say and need.
Duplantis, the 24-year-old Swedish pole vault star, has gained considerable popularity, and quickly. His recent Olympic gold in Paris and world record jump of 6.25m cemented his place as a talent to watch. He set a 100m personal best of 10.57 seconds in 2018 while in high school.
Warholm, 28, hails from Norway and is no small contender in the 400m hurdles. Although he settled for silver in Paris, Warholm’s world record of 45.94 seconds from 2021 still stands. His range shows his 100m personal best of 10.49 seconds, which he set in 2017.
It is clear that both athletes have proved their worth in their major events, setting records and collecting medals. Their near 100 meters also suggests that we may be seeing a close photo finish.
What are the odds?
The bookies have set some outstanding odds for this unique encounter, with Warholm at 7/10 and Duplantis at even (1/1) betting sites not on Gamstop. These odds suggest a tighter race than you might initially think given their different backgrounds. However, it’s worth comparing different operators as you may find better odds, especially on overseas sites which tend to be more competitive.
At 7/10, Warholm’s advantage comes from his sprint experience and best time in the 100m. Bookmakers seem to value his starting technique and sprint-focused training.
But Duplantis offers an interesting bet at parties. Even though he’s a pole vaulter, oddsmakers see his explosive power and speedy 10.57 second 100m from high school. This balanced offer shows that the bookies believe Duplantis has a real chance, citing his raw athleticism and recent world record form.
The approximate odds show how difficult this matchup is to predict. Both athletes step out of their comfort zones, making their flow difficult to predict 100m skills. Things like how quickly they react at the start, how they adjust mid-race, and their mental game can play a big role in who wins.
This makes for an interesting opportunity if you want to place some bets. Those who believe in Warholm’s sprint may be safer leaning that way. On the other side of the coin, those who see potential in Duplantis’ starting power may be tempted by the double odds.
Having said that, it is important to remember to bet within your budget when considering investing in this type of athletics event.
Technical analysis
Warholm and Duplantis have different starting techniques that make for an interesting but important comparison. Warholm’s background gives him an edge off the blocks, which helps him get up to speed quickly. Duplantis, who is still getting used to running starts for the pole vault, may struggle a bit with the initial burst.
In terms of speed and top speed, Warholm’s stamina suggests that he could maintain a strong momentum throughout the race. But Duplantis’ strength could help him get up to speed quickly once he gets going.
1997 World 200m Champion Ato Boldon shares his thoughts on this, saying: But Duplantis’ raw power could see him close to strong. It’s anyone’s race in the last 20 meters.”
Their different teaching methods will have a big impact here. Warholm’s focus on sprint endurance may give him an advantage in the final 50 meters, while Duplantis’ jumping drills for the pole vault may give him an advantage early in the race. The real question is whether this is enough to make a difference.
Either way, this really highlights how unpredictable this matchup is, making it a truly inexplicable event.
Not to be missed
This one-off matchup between Duplantis and Warholm will perfectly showcase the adaptability and competitiveness of two of track and field’s greatest stars. As both athletes settle into their starting positions, the outcome remains up in the air. Just remember to remind yourself to catch this momentous event, which is sure to capture the attention of sports fans around the world and maybe even change the way we think about athletes sticking to one profession.
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