Norway’s defending champion Karsten Warholm smoothly sailed into the Olympic 400-meter hurdles final on Wednesday. He will be met with a fervent crowd as French favorite Clement Ducos also secured his spot in the final. Warholm, the world record holder and a triple world champion, took command of the first heat and effortlessly eased down to win in 47.67 seconds. Ducos followed closely, delivering a strong finish to secure his place with a time of 47.85 seconds.
“I can’t believe what I’ve just done,” said Ducos, visibly thrilled. “I have no words to describe it. The crowd was absolutely amazing. I’m not scared of anything. There are people around me posting really good times, but I have to believe I can get a medal, and I do believe it.”
Kyron McMaster from the British Virgin Islands showcased a powerful final 50 meters to win his heat against Estonia’s Rasmus Magi. Rai Benjamin of the United States, the Tokyo silver medalist and current holder of the fastest time in the world this year, delivered a strong performance, winning the final heat in 47.85 seconds, ahead of Jamaican Roshawn Clarke. Brazilian Alison dos Santos, who claimed bronze in Tokyo and world championship gold the following year, secured his place in Friday’s showdown as a fast loser. The stage is set for a thrilling final with a blend of seasoned veterans and rising stars vying for Olympic glory.
