World 400m hurdle champion Karsten Warholm says he is delighted to be ‘back where it all started’ at the London Stadium this weekend, but suggested he would not be repeating his famous Viking-helmet celebration from two years ago.
The Norwegian burst onto the global scene with a stunning victory at the World Championships here in London in 2017, with his shocked expression at crossing the finish line in first becoming one of the competition’s iconic images.
He quickly set about casting his reputation as one of the sport’s most colourful characters, donning the helmet for his lap of honour, and has since earned widespread adulation for his enthusiasm and humour in post-race interviews.
Warholm arrives at Saturday’s Anniversary Games 400m hurdles in good form as he builds towards the defence of his world title in Doha this autumn, and is looking forward to returning to the scene of his greatest success.
“I very much like it here in London,” Warholm said. “That’s why I keep coming back. For me, this is where it all started.
"It’s very funny to come back because this is the same hotel, the pub down the street is the same… Tower Bridge is still here. It’s all good memories for me.
“That [celebration] was a weak moment of mine,” he added. “I tend to have a lot of those. It’s probably good that people can see the humour and entertainment in it.
“I very much like running, and like to train, but at the same time I very much hate to train. When you then get the chance to fulfil your dreams, you tend to get very happy.
“When I’m happy I just do stupid things, it’s the same thing as being drunk, you’re in another state of mind. You just want to do whatever makes you happy and it’s fun for people to watch.”
Another star of those World Championships who has fond memories of the British capital is 110m hurdler Omar McLeod.
The Jamaican arrived in 2017 as the reigning Olympic champion, and added world gold to his haul with a dominant display.
Like Warholm, he has found familiar comforts ahead of this weekend’s meet.
“I love this place,” the 25-year-old said. “I have a lot of great memories here. We’re at the same hotel that we were in 2017 and the crazy thing is I’ve got the same room.
“I walked in and I was welcomed with a lot of emotions. I remember the exact same spot where me and my mum were praying, and the happiness and the joy, everything.
"It was crazy, it’s a great memory for me.”
