Two huge names in athletics took up a new event back in 2024 to see who would be fastest over 100 metres – Swedish pole vaulter Armand Duplantis or Danish 400m hurdler Karsten Warholm?
The two Olympic gold medallists settled the score at the Letzigrund Stadium in Zurich on the 4th of September prior to the Diamond League events. The event was put together with the help of big sponsors Puma and Red Bull after a clip went viral on social media in 2023 showing the two discussing who would win in a race and agreeing to compete “sometime after the world’s”, after discovering their personal bests in the event were very similar.
This video caused hype for the fans who pushed for the event to happen, and a packed stadium awaited the clash.
Speaking before the event, Armand Duplantis said the prospect of the 100m contest helped him maintain drive and focus as the Diamond League Zurich approached. With the Olympics concluding just a month prior, and only a few smaller events left in the season at the time, athletes had been known to struggle for motivation, but Duplantis’ competitive edge in the contest kept him going.
He said: “The exhibition race is helping me to keep the motivation high, keep myself in good shape, and keep me hungry.”
Armand Duplantis vs Karsten Warholm Over 100m
With all the fighting talk and preparation complete, it was to the start line on the evening of the 4th of September to see who would come out on top.
As many predicted, it was a highly tight and competitive race. Duplantis got the marginally better start and surprisingly pulled away from the 400m athlete in the closing stages, taking the line at a remarkable 10.37s. As a spectator, you wouldn’t know you were watching a pole vaulter and a 400m runner, as the pace was electric throughout.
Staggeringly, an athlete who’s not even a sprinter was less than 0.6 of a second off Noah Lyles’ time that won him gold at the Paris Olympics earlier that year. Given his qualities in events completely different to his own, it won’t surprise many that Mondo Duplantis is very successful in his field. The athlete won a gold medal of his own in Paris, which will look good next to his gold from Tokyo.
The pole vaulter did so in style, too, breaking his own world record from Tokyo to vault a mind-blowing 6.25m to beat all the other competitors in pretty comfortable circumstances, considering the typical competitiveness at the Olympic Games.
Karsten Warholm had a very successful Paris Games too, running for a silver medal in his home event of the 400m hurdles, beaten only by USA athlete Rai Benjamin. The Danish athlete was frustrated with his performance, however, as he was unable to repeat the glory of Tokyo, where he smashed the world record by three-quarters of a second, and became the first person in history to run a 400m hurdles in under 46 seconds.
It was a season of second place for the Dane as he was beaten again here by Duplantis, who was gracious in victory in this exhibition contest. The cheers of the crowd and the smiles of the athletes were evidence of a successful exhibition contest.
Chelsea have been punished following an investigation into 74 alleged breaches of the English Football Association’s regulations.
The Stamford Bridge outfit were initially charged in September after being accused of breaking rules regarding agent regulations, regulations on working with intermediaries, and third-party investment in players.
Those breaches are reported to have taken place between 2009 and 2022, while Roman Abramovich was still in control of the west London club.
FA Announce Chelsea’s Punishment
REUTERS/Hollie Adams via Action Images
According to The Athletic, Chelsea have been handed a £10 million fine and a two-window transfer ban, which has been suspended until 30 June 2027.
They were also given a six-point deduction, but that has since been withdrawn after appeal. A statement from the English FA confirmed:
“Chelsea FC admitted to the 74 breaches of FA Rule E1.2 prior to a hearing and an independent Regulatory Commission imposed a six-point deduction, which was to be suspended until 30 June 2027, and a £10 million fine.
“The club appealed against the suspended points deduction and an independent Appeal Board allowed the appeal and set aside this sanction following a further hearing. In its place, the Appeal Board imposed a registration ban for two complete and consecutive transfer windows which is suspended until 30 June 2027.”
Celtic and Rangers are reportedly embroiled in a transfer battle to sign Fares Ghedjemis and could both make bids for the Algerian winger.
The Scottish Premiership giants often wage war on the pitch, but they are both chasing the attacking gem from Serie B outfit Frosinone. A report from Sky Sports’ Anthony Joseph claims the two clubs are considering a move for the 23-year-old.
Celtic and Rangers are both looking to strengthen their squads ahead of a new Scottish Premiership campaign. They have been busy making additions to their squads but could now be rivalling one another for a new winger.
Celtic and Rangers Weigh Up Ghedjemis Bid
via Reuters
Joseph claims that the Scottish sides aren’t the only clubs interested in the Algeria international. There is also interest shown from England, Italy and the USA and that could prove problematic for the Bhoys and the Gers.
Ollie Watkins Calls Arne Slot’s Liverpool ‘Disjointed’ After Aston Villa Win
According to a top Tottenham insider on X, one of the forwards on Tottenham’s list this summer is Aston Villa sensation Ollie Watkins.
Watkins, who has been described as ‘elite’, has enjoyed a brilliant six years at Villa Park, netting 108 goals in 278 appearances for the club, making him the all-time top scorer for Villa in Premier League history.
Unai Emery is a huge fan of the England international, but the Midlands club are dealing with financial problems and after already losing Lucas Digne, Youri Tielemans and Morgan Rogers this summer, they are also open to moving on Watkins for the right price due to his contract situation.
Tottenham are understood to be looking for a new striker in the market, with Richarlison’s future up in the air as he enters the final 12 months of his contract.
It’s unclear how much a deal would cost, or how much the north London club would be willing to pay, but he is a name on their shortlist as they look to bolster their squad for the coming season.
Fees correct prior to summer 2026
All 10 found — excellent!
Watkins a Short-Term Solution
Ollie Watkins scored against Liverpool
Tottenham are looking to build a team that is ready to compete quickly, and bringing in 30-year-old Watkins would undoubtedly help them to achieve that.
But considering the top target was Eli Junior Kroupi, it would be a big change in profile, which may raise some question marks. But with Kroupi’s foot injury ruling him out of contention for a move until 2027 at least, it’s possible that Spurs are looking at Watkins as a short-term option, before trying to bring in Kroupi in the future.
Ultimately, Watkins would be an improvement on the current striker options and would help them solve their issues, so it’s one to keep an eye on.
