Karsten Warholm (26) reports ready for the 400 meter hurdles during the World Athletics Championships in Eugene, and says that the last test was promising.
Less than 20 minutes ago
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– If you go back to old VG clippings, then I have probably never promised a World Cup gold, and I certainly do not intend to start with now. It is more challenging than it has ever been, it is at least steak safe, Warholm says to VG when asked if the form is good enough to win another World Cup gold.
The Norwegian suffered an injury to the back of his right thigh during a season opener in Morocco on June 5, and has since then worked hard to get ready.
Only during Wednesday’s press conference with the Norwegian’s sponsor Puma, did he confirm that he is competing in this year’s championship.
Before the final decision was made, the Olympic winner conducted a test where he gave a full stick, to see if there was any point in competing in the World Cup. It gave positive answers, the 26-year-old tells VG.
– What was perhaps the biggest acid test was actually going from the block to the first hedge. There I can say that I was back at the same times I used to be. It is very good, says Warholm and continues:
– The speed is present, we have been able to measure that. The fact that it went well means that I could go on the quality I demand of myself without having any acquaintances. Then there will always be reservations in relation to the fact that things can happen in sports. But the fact that it went well means that I feel that I was able to complete the last crucial session with the quality required to be able to start having something to do there.
But even if the last test was promising, the healthy lubrication highlights a moment that could potentially be uncertain.
– I have not run 400 meters hurdles this year, so it will be exciting for all of us whether I keep the whole distance. But we are ready for the challenge.
–Warholm starts the World Cup on July 16 with qualification. Then the semi-final 17 awaits before a possible final takes place on the night of 20 July Norwegian time.
During the press conference at the equipment supplier, he was aware that the period after he suffered the injury has been demanding.
– The last five or six weeks have been close to hell, it has been difficult, Warholm said from the podium.
To get rid of the injury, Warholm has, among other things, been treated by the German star doctor Hans Wilhelm Müller-Wohlfahrt. To VG, Warholm elaborates on how the last period has been.
– All the help I have received, both from Germany, but also from the Olympic Summit, especially by Håvard Moksnes, has been absolutely exceptional. But for me and for Leif (Olav Alnes) I think it has been a physical and mental ordeal we would rather we were without. It has not been nice. It has been really awkward, I will not hide it.
But in the familiar style of the duo Warholm and Alnes, it is not always the times and the results that are most important:
– At the same time, it is a challenge, and I feel we have faced that challenge, and that is the most important thing, Warholm concludes.
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