When the discussion turns to World Champions, it is obviously hard to go past Norway’s Karsten Warholm who made such a huge impression winning his first World title in London last year. But there are so many others who have confirmed participation at Bislett. There are 20 World Champions engaged and these include Turkish sprinter Ramil Guliyev, Kenya’s new middle-distance sensation Elijah Manangoi and the high flying Qatari Mutaz Barshim (High Jump) who electrified Bislett last season. Not to be outdone the women have plenty of World Champions at Bislett as well, including fresh faces from the USA in Phyllis Francis (400m) and Emma Coburn (3000m Steeple), whilst we should always acknowledge South Africa’s brilliant multi champion Caster Semenya (800m).
Later this year the world’s athletic focus will be on the European Championship in Berlin. Interest will therefore be high in the progress of various European athletes and there are no than fewer than 14 previous European Champions confirmed in Bislett. Norwegian hopes in Berlin will be centred on two of Sandnes’ finest, the Ingebrigtsen brothers Henrik and Filip who are both involved in the Dream Mile. The females will also have some boasting to do with Denmark’s Sara Slott Petersen (400mH) and Britain’s emerging sprint talent Dina Asher-Smith (100m).
Of course no preview of the tremendous talent involved in Bislett is complete without mention of Norway´s most exciting new star Jakob Ingebrigtsen, whose mile performance in Eugene was simply breathtaking. Also reigning World Indoor Champion and 60m world record-holder Christian Coleman of USA who will accept the challengers at 200m.
A full list of gold medalists confirmed for Oslo Bislett Games is attached.
