After Karsten Warholm had to cancel the first race of the season in June, it was how the injury went that everyone wanted to talk to him about. And injuries are something that Team Warholm always keeps secret, because talking about it takes more energy. – I have no need to talk so much about it. It’s like Leif says, it only makes it worse and you feel it every day. And I felt a bit of pressure when I said I was going to try to make it to the WC and there was hardly any time, he says. – But this particular injury here, broadcast live on news, was a bit difficult to hide, adds Warholm. – Would you keep it hidden if not? – There is a big chance of that, admits the hurdler. – Quite obviously, says coach Leif Olav Alnes. Won’t lie, the 26-year-old had to accept that the questions were now not about good performances. They saw no alternative. – It was completely impossible now, because he could just walk. If he never ran, those who saw him just walking would probably have reacted to that, Alnes grins. DOWN TOUR: Karsten Warholm reached the WC, but the medal was lost. Photo: JOEL MARKLUND / BILDBYRÅN – I just have to get used to that, and I think that’s okay too. Injuries are part of everyday sports life, so I’m not embarrassed or anything like that, says the world record holder. But they have no immediate plans to change the damage-talk principle they are used to. – If I get an injury and lose competitions, I understand that it is relevant to talk about. Then you have to be open about it. It’s not like I’m going to go around lying, assures Warholm. – Priceless – What were you holding back now? – Very, very little. I think we actually updated very well. Everyone knows the follow-up we had, so I think we were actually quite transparent. As transparent as we need to be, at least. AUTUMN DRESSED: Karsten Warholm received Fearnley’s Olympic Honorary Award for the Olympic gold and the world record in Tokyo. Photo: Hanne Skjellum / news As you know, the WC ended without a medal, but he fought back and took the EC gold. Then there was a race in Berlin, before a short season break awaited. On 1 October they started up again, and the plan is to open the indoor season in their own event “Warholm invitational” on 4 February. Being injury free gives him extra motivation. – Being able to work and avoid these injuries, and being able to go to training every day and put in the work required. It is priceless. There is nothing to replace it, says Warholm.
ttn-69
Warholm would have kept the injury a secret if it weren’t for these news pictures – news Sport – Sports news, results and broadcasting schedule
