Home

Tokyo Olympics: ‘Hulk’ celebration after incredible run obliterates world record

Headshot of Rory Coleman-Heard
Rory Coleman-HeardThe West Australian
VideoWorld record tumbles in greatest 400m hurdles final of all time

Norwegian ‘Hulk’ Karsten Warholm produced one of the most iconic celebrations in recent history after obliterating a longstanding world record to win gold in the 400m hurdles final.

Warholm was gobsmacked on seeing that he had recorded the unfathomable time of 45.94 seconds, outpointing American Rai Benjamin (46.17) and Brazil’s Alison dos Santos (46.72).

After goggling at the scoreboard for a few moments, Warholm was apparently unable to contain his emotions and proceeded to rip the front of his uniform open like Marvel character Hulk.

Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE

Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.

READ NOW

The 25-year-old’s reaction was in perfect keeping with the gravity of what he’d just achieved.

The runner tore away his shirt after the win.
Camera IconThe runner tore away his shirt after the win. Credit: Channel 7
The Game AFL 2024

Australian broadcasting doyen and athletics encyclopaedia Bruce McAvaney compared Warholm’s run with the famous longstanding world records achieved by sprinters Usain Bolt and Michael Johnson, and long-jumper Bob Beamon.

“Unbelievable — it’s Bolt-like,” McAvaney said on commentary.

“It’s a Beamon-esque record,” he continued, referencing Beamon’s 23-year long jump record.

“It’s rare. It’s what Johnson did in Atlanta in 1996 and what Bolt did. It takes you to place you never thought you’d go to.”

Co-commentator Tamsin Lewis Manou echoed McAvaney’s excitement.

“Oh my goodness, Bruce, I can’t talk, that is just phenomenal!” Manou shouted.

“Wowzers! Oh my goodness, he’s just broken 46 seconds!

“I’m in shock. Bruce, I’m in shock. I cannot believe that for the men’s 400m hurdles, there is a 45-second (time)!

“We have just seen the most magnificent race at an Olympics in history.”

Silver medallist Benjamin — who also finished under the previous world record benchmark — was the only hurdler to come anywhere near Warholm, battling stride for stride with the Norwegian before falling narrowly short.

Seven of the eight hurdlers broke a record of some description — the world record, area records, national records, season bests and personal bests.

Get the latest news from thewest.com.au in your inbox.

Sign up for our emails