Karsten Warholm: I'm not scared of lactobacillus, but I'm very scared of having a bad race

Karsten Warholm is approaching. On that iconic afternoon in Tokyo last summer,his mesmerizing 45.94 seconds gliding, winning an Olympic gold medal, setting a new world record, andthe 400 m hurdles rethink what is possible with

The Norwegian changed the game. But now he is seeking redemption after injuring his hamstring at this year's Rabat his diamonds in his league six weeks before the World Championships in Eugene. The 26-year-old played tenaciously for Eugene, but eventually succumbed to the pain and lack of rhythm from a lack of training and his hopes of retaining the world title were dashed. He finished in his seventh place behind Alizondos his Santos who won the gold medal with his 46.29 seconds, the second fastest time ever. "It was special," Warholm told The Independent, entering his year undefeated since his Continental Cup in Ostrava in 2018, a rarity. No defeat looked back. This pink cloud, everything I set out to do, I made it happen. Being in such a challenging position right now makes me think. Also, good results were obtained. I am more motivated than before. I want to go back to winning ways. The good mood and adrenaline after the race that Eugene definitely didn't have.

"I think you'll see me win again soon. I'm very happy about it, but I'm a little relieved. It feels special when you win, but it's easy to forget." It's like going out for the weekend and it's a lot of fun, but then you get hungover and you want to go through it all over again.In the championship, it happens once or twice a year, so you have to cherish that moment.

This is why Munich, which triumphed in Berlin four years ago, is more than just an opportunity to extend its reign in Europe. He hopes to learn a lesson from his World Championship humility in just his four weeks. Training went well. The athlete was reunited with his longtime coach and friend Leif Olaf Alnes in the stillness of Bergen, Norway. Together they hope to capitalize on their "very special and unique relationship" and their insatiable desire to win their "mission" to return to the top.

Of course it's very nice to think about Tokyo. ’” recalls Warholm. “In difficult times, it is wonderful to see what you have achieved. It is the most important victory of my life, and it will probably last forever. I'm a positive guy.I always have new goals and high expectations.It's hard to say where my spirit comes from.

"My Norwegian 's ancestors are tough.Back in the day they are Vikings.It's my job.I do it with pride.I do everything I have to do to make sure the job is done well.

``I'm not afraid of lactobacilli, but I'm very afraid of a bad race. That's what I live for.”

Warholm's famous celebration, ripping speed suit like Superman in Munich, might be seen I can't. But even without Dos Santos and Rai Benjamin, France's Wilfried Happio's form - his 4th place in Eugene and his 1 second faster than Warholm - adds more intrigue and tension to these European Championships. add

Her 400 m hurdles for women also exploded.Sydney McLaughlin set another baffling world record of 50.68 seconds at Eugene, andhe stunned the world once again by 0.73 seconds off the previous mark. It was then that the American finished her seventh in the women's 400m final this summer. This isn't just a step forward, it's a huge leap in human performance after her 0.76 second improvement for the Norwegian herself, much like Warholm in 2021. McLaughlin's grace impressed Warholm and inspired her to regain her own supremacy.

"I think that's one of the most beautiful things about track and field about her," says Warholm, reflecting on McLaughlin's greatness.

“When I saw Sydney run the 400m hurdles on Eugene, it was like magic. It was a moment, and it's very difficult for someone who doesn't play sports to understand how fast this actually is. It's great to do it, and it even extends to a world record that no one would have thought of.

"This will change the women's 400 m hurdles. People realize what's possible." I think people get closer to what she accomplished:

"And I have guys on my side who are doing really fast times now. They are pushing the boundaries. And that's the beauty of this sport."

Warholm is a self-proclaimed sports junkie, and said he was "very good" at football before dedicating himself to track and field. Norway is arguably in the golden age of sports. Jakob Ingebrigtsen is dominant in both He's 1,500 m and He's 5,000 m. Erling Haaland is poised to lead Manchester City to the pinnacle of his football in Europe. Casper Ruud reached the French Open final earlier this year.

Warholm believes its landmark world title at London 2017 showed what was possible at the event. And his excitement rises when he discusses the prospect of the 400m hurdles becoming an iconic event for a generation in track and field.

Some experts argue that the effect of carbon his technology his shoes is more pronounced in his 400 m hurdles than in other events. Puma athlete Warholm has been outspoken about theshoe's technology,and its potential to "undermine athlete confidence" given its "trampoline" effect.

However, the two-time world champion points to a shift in mindset and strategy, with past competitors pushing hard early in the race and risking a sudden and painful finish. I hate to offend you. This, combined with the wave of new talent previously attracted to other events, should extend the amazing duration of the event.

"Here's where it gets tricky I think when me and my coach started working on this event, we started going really hard,” recalls Warholm. "No one had ever really run in the hurdles. People were running very controlled, saving themselves for the last 150 meters and then going all out." } “But we started running full force and treated it like a sprint. It's not that people who don't like the 400m do the 400m hurdles.

"I do the 400m hurdles because I like it.It's a cool event right now. Many 400m hurdlers can be big players in 400m if they want to.It is very difficult because the hurdles are very specific.Many good athletes, world class athletes push their level and potential