Norwegian track and field athlete Karsten Warholm won what is being dubbed the “greatest race in Olympic history.” Warholm won gold in the 400-meter hurdles competition, setting a new world and Olympics record with a time of 45.94. The 25-year-old created history last month in the lead-up to the Olympics by setting a new world record in the 400-meter hurdles which he broke on August 3, 2021.
Warholm was pushed hard by USA’s Rai Benjamin, who set a time of 46.17 and was just edged by the Norwegian. Brazil’s Alison dos Santos finished third with a time of 46.72, and the top three broke the Olympic record set by Kevin Young in the 1992 Olympics.
Despite creating history and being a part of one of the most memorable races in Olympic history, Warholm was unhappy about one thing: Benjamin’s shoes. Warholm was not pleased with the American’s Nike shoes that have a layer of Pebax foam, which, the Norwegian believes, acts like a trampoline for the runner.
“He had those things in his shoes, which I hate. I don’t see why you should put anything beneath a sprinting shoe. In the middle distance, I can understand it because of the cushioning. If you want cushioning, you can put a mattress there. But if you put a trampoline, I think it’s bullshit, and I think it takes credibility away from our sports” said Warholm.
The Norwegian, though, was full of praise for his American opponent and how he pushed him in the 400m hurdles final. Warholm believes that the track in Tokyo, as well as his opponents, helped make the race exciting – and quick.
Warholm revealed he didn’t have the Pebax foam that he believes gives Nike athletes an advantage, but a lot of work went into designing his shoes. His shoes were developed and designed in collaboration with the Mercedes F1 team and Puma.
Rai Benjamin, though, dismissed the notion that his shoes helped him run Warholm close in the race. He stated that the track, conditions, and shoes helped the fast time.
“People say it’s the track, the shoes, and the conditions were really good. But I could wear different shoes and still run fast. No one will do what we just did, I don’t care who you are,” said Benjamin.
Warholm, Benjamin, and dos Santos created history and wowed fans with their incredible race, and modern-day technology could have played a huge part in it.
