Sprint Showdown: World Record Holders Duplantis and Warholm to Race 100m Exhibition in Zurich

Two of athletics' biggest stars are set to go head-to-head in an intriguing 100m exhibition race on 4 September at Zurich's Letzigrund Stadium. Olympic pole vault champion Armand Duplantis and 400m hurdles world record holder Karsten Warholm will finally settle a friendly rivalry over who is the fastest over the short distance.

The race is scheduled for a day before the Diamond League meeting in the Swiss city and has generated considerable buzz in the track and field community. Both Duplantis, a two-time Olympic gold medallist from Sweden, and Warholm, a three-time world champion from Norway, are eager to test their speed outside their usual disciplines.

Duplantis, 24, ran a personal best of 10.57 seconds during his high school days in the United States in 2018 and has often expressed an interest in competing in sprint relays for Sweden. Warholm, 28, recorded his fastest 100m time of 10.49 seconds in 2017, showcasing the sprinting prowess that has made him dominant in the 400m hurdles.

Duplantis recently reaffirmed his status as the world's best pole vaulter by setting a new world record of 6.25m in Paris. Meanwhile, Warholm, despite his silver medal finish at the Paris 2024 Olympics behind American Rai Benjamin, remains the world record holder in the 400m hurdles and one of the most decorated athletes in his discipline.

The exhibition race promises to be a fascinating clash of two versatile athletes at the peak of their powers. While neither specializes in the 100m, their competitive nature and world-class athleticism make this showdown one to watch. Fans can expect a thrilling spectacle as these giants of track and field bring their speed and determination to the sprint showdown.