Bolt beams as Alfred, Duplantis and Warholm light up Oslo Diamond League
OSLO: Karsten Warholm, Julien Alfred and Armand 'Mondo' Duplantis lit up Thursday's star-studded Diamond League meet in Oslo where Jamaican sprint legend Usain Bolt was on hand to lend further glitter to a gripping evening of track and field.
Bolt, the 100 and 200m world record holder, had been introduced to the baying, sell-out 15,000-strong crowd in the Bislett Stadium by World Athletics president Sebastian Coe, who had himself set three world records at the Norwegian venue.
Bolt was on hand to present a bouquet of flowers to a delighted Alfred after she won the women's 100m in 10.89 seconds.
"It's always been wonderful being at the Bislett Games. The energy and the love that I always get when I come here is just wonderful," said Bolt on his first return to Oslo since his retirement in 2017.
Alfred said she had been honoured to meet the 38-year-old Bolt, an eight-time Olympic gold medallist and an 11-time world champion.
"It was my first race of the season so I was a little rusty, but I got the win under my belt which is the main thing," said the 24-year-old whose gold in the Paris was the first ever for the tiny Caribbean island of Saint Lucia.
"And I got to meet Usain Bolt -- yesterday for the first time ever and then two days running I got to meet him again!"
Duplantis notched up his 36th victory in 40 Diamond League outings, clearing 6.15 metres before calling it a day as temperatures dipped.
The US-born Swede was in a class of his own in another punishing display of vaulting of the highest order.
"It did get cooler so that was why I stopped jumping," he said.
"On Sunday at the Stockholm Diamond League it would be an absolute dream to break the world record."
The meet was rounded off in spectacular style when Warholm clocked 32.67sec to win the 300m hurdles, an event that was granted official status earlier this year but is yet to have a ratified world record.
The time bettered Warholm's own 33.05sec set earlier this season in Xiamen, China.
"I have been doing a lot of 200m practices and as you can see from today I was very clean over the hurdles," said Warholm.
"There were some top stars here which is great for Bislett and it was lovely to catch up with Usain and tomorrow we will have lunch and chat properly."
Reigning Olympic champion Emmanuel Wanyonyi missed out on the stadium record of 1:42.04 for the 800m set by Kenyan legend David Rudisha in 2010.
Wanyonyi was pushed all the way, but held on for victory in 1:42.78 ahead of Spain's Mohamed Attaoui, Algeria's Djamel Sedjati and France's Gabriel Tual.
"Today, my body felt a little tired as I have come from Kenya so the travel has been long but I am happy with my performance against a strong field and pleased to run a season's best," said Wanyonyi.
Olympic and Diamond League javelin champion Haruka Kitaguchi of Japan stole the lead in the fifth round with what proved to be a winning 64.63m effort.
It broke Greek Elina Tzengko's streak of three back-to-back victories on the circuit.
But Dominica's Thea LaFond could only finish fifth in the women's triple jump won by Cuba's Leyanis Perez Hernandez (14.72m).
And another Olympic champion, Winfred Yavi of Bahrain, had to settle for second behind Kenya's Faith Cherotich, who set a meet record of 9:02.60 in the women's 3,000m steeplechase.
Oslo's Bislett Stadium is known as a venue where world records are regularly set. When a world-class field lined up for the 5,000m, they were chasing what could have been the 72nd world record set at the venue since Adriaan Paulen established the first one back in 1924.
But the history books remained unshuffled as American Nico Young timed 12:45.27 in a shock victory over the likes of Ethiopia's Hagos Gebrhiwet, Yomif Kejelcha and Berihu Aregawi.
It was a first Diamond League win and a personal best for the 23-year-old Team USA runner and also the fastest any American has ever run five kilometres outdoors.
The evening ended in chaotic scenes with Bolt embracing Warholm on the track, hundreds of children swarming around the Jamaican, who then started screaming 'Mondo! Mondo!' at Duplantis while in full television interview. - AFP
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Straits Times
5 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Martyn, Esther claim Sea Triathlon titles, eye Sea Games next
KUALA LUMPUR: National triathletes Martyn Lim and Esther Joy rose to the occasion with commanding victories in the elite Sprint races at the Southeast Asia (Sea) Triathlon Federation Championships, held as part of the Perak Multisport Festival in Lumut on Saturday. Martyn, who finished fifth overall and was the fastest Malaysian last year, went one better this time by clocking 1:03:57s to clinch the men's title, which featured a 750m swim, 20km bike, and 5km run. He held off compatriot and former Sea Games silver medallist Rikigoro Shinozuka (1:05:25), with Singapore's Rusell Lee (1:06:10) completing the podium. "I didn't come in with big expectations — just focused on going hard in the swim and seeing who came up with me on the bike," said Martyn. "I think I had a pretty good swim by managing to latch onto some feet, which made it quite comfortable. The bike felt really good — the speed was there — and on the run I was out there alone but able to hold a strong pace and finish well." Martyn credited his familiarity with the course as an advantage, having raced here in the past few editions. "That definitely gave me an edge. I knew when to attack, when to hold back, and when to start pushing for the finish," he added. With the championships serving as the final selection race for the Sea Games, Martyn is hopeful his performance sealed the deal. In the women's race, Esther crossed the line in 1:10:25 to finish well ahead of Singaporeans Lim Wan Ting (1:12:48) and Regine Goh (1:15:07), marking a step up from her runner-up finish last year. "This was a good win — not necessarily for how fast I went, but for how I executed it," said Esther. "I really challenged myself, especially in the swim and bike. It wasn't about outright speed today — it was about racing smart, and I'm quite proud of that." Fresh off her win at the national championships in Putrajaya, Esther is also vying for a Sea Games return. "I'm not too sure what the coaches will decide, but based on the results, I hope I get in." Esther, who made her debut at the 2021 Sea Games in Hanoi just six months into competitive triathlon, brings an unlikely background to the sport. "I actually come from wushu," she revealed. "I was in the national team for Nanquan discipline for a half years before COVID-19 struck. I was losing interest after a while as we could not train and there wasn't any competition. "I eventually picked up triathlon. Interestingly, I never cycled before triathlon, but the leg strength from wushu helped a lot, especially on the bike. "Power wasn't the issue — it was just learning the skills." RESULTS *Malaysia unless stated Men's elite sprint: 1. Martyn Lim 1:03:57s, 2. Rikigoro Shinozuka 1:05:25, 3. Rusell Lee (SGP) 1:06:10. Women's elite Sprint: 1. Esther Joy Chen 1:10:25. 2. Lim Wan Ting (SGP) 1:12:48. 3. Regine Goh (SGP) 1:15:07. Men's Olympic distance: 1. Khairil Azhar 2:16:10, 2. Timotius Justin 2:27:27, 3. Mohd Azmir Abdullah Sani 2:32:02. Women's Olympic distance: 1. Serena Yang 2:49:08. 2. Chang Wei Ying 2:56:50, 3. Nursya Jusoh 3:05:44. Men's 113: 1. Hakim Che Sharuji 4:33:08, 2. Muhamad Rabani Hashim 4:46:51, 3. Thong Wing Yew 4:56:17. Women's 113: 1. Wong Ee Va 5:02:57, 2. Nuur Syafyka Shafie 5:37:07, 3. Mimi Ruslan 5:43:18.
New Straits Times
11 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Sarjit's men wary of Pakistan's drag flick threat in Nations Cup opener
KUALA LUMPUR: The Nations Cup marks the national men's hockey team's first tournament of the season, and Sarjit Singh's men will be eager to make a statement in front of their home fans. World No. 13 Malaysia open their Group B campaign against former world and Olympic champions Pakistan (ranked No. 15) at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Sunday. The other teams in the group are world No. 12 New Zealand and No. 16 Japan. Sarjit is using the tournament as a key platform to assess his side ahead of the Asia Cup in August, which offers a World Cup spot to the champions. The Speedy Tigers head into the competition in high spirits after strong preparations, including playing tours in Australia and South Korea. In seven matches in Perth, Malaysia edged Western Australia 2-1, lost 6-0 to Australia A, and suffered 5-2, 4-1, and 6-1 defeats to the full-strength Australian national team, while managing a 4-4 draw in the final game. Against world No. 14 South Korea, Malaysia impressed with back-to-back 4-1 wins, followed by two draws (5-5, 1-1) and a 4-2 defeat in the fifth and final encounter — scoring 16 goals and conceding 12 over five matches. Malaysia have faced Pakistan 38 times since the 1968 Mexico Olympics, winning just five and drawing 13. Last year, they lost 5-4 to the Green Shirts at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup but held them to 4-4 and 2-2 draws at the Nations Cup and Asian Champions Trophy. Malaysia's last victory over Pakistan came in the 2023 Asian Champions Trophy — a 3-1 win. Pakistan, however, are no longer the powerhouse they once were, hampered by limited funding and development back home. On Sunday, they'll be banking on star drag flicker Sufyan Khan, who has netted 24 goals in 48 matches since 2022. The defender — who turned out for Matador Club in this year's Malaysia Hockey League, scoring 17 goals — also struck against Malaysia in all three meetings last year. National captain Marhan Jalil admitted there's added pressure playing on home soil. "There is always pressure playing in a tournament, but it's even more intense when you're at home," said Marhan. "We need to play a disciplined game from the first whistle to the final hooter. "The first match is key. A win would lift our motivation and improve our chances of reaching the semi-finals. "We know Pakistan have a quality drag flicker in Sufyan, so we must avoid conceding penalty corners." Pakistan coach Tahir Zaman is expecting a high-tempo clash. "Malaysia are stronger on home ground. We're focused on playing good, disciplined hockey — that's our target," said Tahir. "We want to play exciting, attractive hockey. Every team wants to win this tournament and so do we. "We're not looking at past records. The game has changed, world rankings have changed. We just hope everything goes well for us tomorrow." Meanwhile, Malaysia suffered a 3-0 defeat in a friendly against Wales at Bukit Jalil on Friday. Sunday's fixtures (June 15) Group A: France vs S. Korea (2pm), S. Africa vs Wales (4pm) * All matches at the National Hockey Stadium, Bukit Jalil.
New Straits Times
13 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Xin Yee hopes her idols Pearly-Thinaah stay with BAM
KUALA LUMPUR: Rising women's doubles shuttler Ong Xin Yee has her eyes firmly set on a dream debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and is looking to her idols Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah for inspiration. Xin Yee, 19, and partner Carmen Ting are ranked world No. 42 and are making steady progress. The pair have already gained valuable experience playing in top-tier tournaments, including Super 500 and Super 1000 events. Their best showing this year came at last week's Super 1000 Indonesia Open, where they reached the second round — a result that has left the teenager pleasantly surprised. "I didn't expect to reach this level so fast after juniors," said Xin Yee. "But watching and sparring with seniors like Pearly-Thinaah really motivates us." World No. 3 Pearly-Thinaah continue to train under the BA of Malaysia (BAM) banner, despite uncertainties surrounding their future. Their previous contracts expired in December, and although negotiations remain at a standstill, BAM has continued paying their salaries — an indication that both parties may yet find common ground. Xin Yee, meanwhile, remains grateful for their guidance. "Pearly-Thinaah are my idols. We see them win titles like the Thailand Open, and we get inspired to follow in their footsteps," she said. "It's very exciting to train and play with the top players as we can learn a lot from them." Asked if she hopes the senior pair remain under BAM to continue mentoring the next generation, Xin Yee didn't hesitate: "Of course!" With her sights on LA 2028, the teenager remains grounded, choosing to take things one step at a time. "Of course, qualifying for the Olympics is my dream, but I try not to think too far ahead or stress too much. "If I can, I want to play — that's always been the dream." Xin Yee-Carmen are now hoping to break into the world's top 32 by December — a breakthrough that could open the door to higher-level tournaments and a smoother Olympic qualifying path. While acknowledging that there's still a gap between them and the world's elite, Xin Yee is determined to bridge it. "Our ability and standard aren't quite the same yet, but we're chasing the top pairs and hope to be like them one day." With top role models, growing exposure, and a clear dream in mind, Xin Yee is on the right track in her Olympic pursuit.
