Norwegian world-record holder Karsten Warholm posted the fastest time in the 400-meter hurdles qualifying on Monday as he aims to defend his Olympic title.
Warholm is expected to face strong competition in Paris from Rai Benjamin, the American who has the fastest time this year, and Alison dos Santos, the Brazilian who defeated Warholm on his home track just over a month ago.
The three runners seem to push each other to their best. This was evident at the Tokyo Games in 2021, where Warholm set a new world record to win gold.
Warholm faced a challenge in his first heat, needing to speed up in the final meters to fend off Clement Ducos of France.
Warholm qualified with the fastest time of 47.57 seconds.
Benjamin eased through the finish to win his heat in 48.82 seconds. Dos Santos almost slowed down too much at the end of his heat, finishing third in 48.75 seconds to take the last automatic qualifying spot.
Dos Santos ran in lane 2, which he described as “a horrible feeling.”
However, the Brazilian enjoys competing against Warholm and Benjamin.
“It’s amazing to be a part of it,” said Dos Santos, who dyed his hair purple to match the color of the Stade de France track.
The 400-meter hurdles semifinals are set for Wednesday, with the final on Friday.
