Karsten Warholm flew over the test from start to finish. In the final of the 400m hurdles, the Norwegian world record holder made short work of his opponents, and easily won the title of European champion, in 47′’12. After a big start, the Olympic champion only increased his lead over his opponents.
Behind the Norwegian scarecrow, the French athlete Wilfried Happio easily finished 2nd in 58′’56, and therefore brought another silver medal to the French delegation. Another Tricolore, Ludvy Vaillot could have joined him on the podium, but he missed the bronze medal by a mere hundredth. It is finally the Turkish Yasmani Copello who is seeking third place, throwing himself to pass in front at the photo finish.
“A great medal for France”
Visibly happy with his second place, Wilfried Happio, 4th at the World Championships reacted to his performance at the microphone of France TV. “It’s always a pleasure to bring home a great medal for France and to race among the best Europeans. It was difficult to be in shape several times during the year. We worked a lot on rest and training and it worked pretty well, even if I didn’t beat my record tonight (Friday),” said the Parisian, who won his first podium as a senior.
“I had a great performance a few weeks ago (at the Worlds), and there is bound to be a little fatigue today,” he adds, who finished more than a second behind the winner. The Norwegian Karsten Warholm in fact seemed untouchable this Friday in Munich, after finishing only 7th at the World Championships in Eugene, which took place from July 15 to 24.
“I want to congratulate France and Wilfried Happio”, he first wanted to clarify with a smile. “This victory means everything to me, I was injured and I didn’t run well at the Worlds. So sharing this podium with Wilfried is a great pleasure”. After winning the Olympic title in 2021 in Tokyo, he therefore ends the summer with a new gold medal.
Third French present in the final, Victor Coroller missed out, and finished in 8th place, in 50″46.