Athletics: Warholm Aims for World Record at Diamond League in Xiamen
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Synopsis
In Xiamen, Karsten Warholm, the men's 400m hurdles world record holder, is targeting a new world record in the 300m hurdles at the 2025 Diamond League opener. Other top athletes, including pole vault star Armand Duplantis and sprinter Xie Zhenye, are also set to compete in this exciting event.
Key Takeaways
- Karsten Warholm aims to break the 300m hurdles world record.
- Armand Duplantis cherishes Xiamen from his previous world record.
- Xie Zhenye is excited to compete against elite sprinters.
- The 2025 Diamond League features 15 meetings worldwide.
- Each meet will introduce Diamond+ Disciplines for higher prize money.
Xiamen (China), April 25 (NationPress) Men's 400m hurdles world record holder Karsten Warholm is determined to shatter another world record in the newly-established 300m hurdles at the 2025 Diamond League kickoff in Xiamen on Saturday.
"I decided to forego the indoor season to concentrate on my training, and I feel fantastic and am eager to compete in Xiamen," Warholm stated during a press conference on Friday.
The Norwegian athlete hopes to exceed his own 300m hurdles world record of 33.26 seconds in his first race of 2025, as reported by Xinhua. "The 300m hurdles is an event I have cherished for a long time; it's a great distance to start the season, and I often practice it. I once set a world best time and have been striving to improve it."
Pole vault phenomenon Armand Duplantis expressed that Xiamen holds a 'very special place' in his heart as he established a world record at the same venue last year, clearing 6.24m. "This stadium is incredible, with top-notch facilities and a superb track. I can't wait to return," he said. "If I can replicate something [like the world record] again, it would be amazing."
Chinese sprinter Xie Zhenye will compete in the men's 100m against formidable competitors, including reigning champion Christian Coleman and Olympic 200m champion Letsile Tebogo. "I am incredibly excited to race against such elite athletes. I will give my utmost for a strong performance," said the Asian 200m record holder.
Another local favorite, Feng Bin, mentioned that she has just returned to training after an injury layoff of one month. "This will be my season debut, and I am determined to give my best," added the Olympic silver medalist in the women's discus.
The 2025 Diamond League marks the 16th season of this premier one-day track and field event, featuring 15 meetings, starting with the initial event in Xiamen on April 29 and culminating in the Diamond League Finals in Zurich on August 27 and 28.
Each of the 15 events will feature selected disciplines from a total of 32, and this year, each meeting will designate 4 events (2 male and 2 female) as Diamond+ Disciplines, which will offer enhanced prize money.
