American Moses set the world record an incredible four times in this event between 1977 and 1987 taking gold in the 1976 and 1984 Olympic Games.
Looking to emulate him in Oslo will be the current Olympic champion, Kerron Clement, and local up and coming star, 21 year old, Karsten Warholm.
Warholm, a former World Youth Champion in the octathlon, reached the semi final in the 400m hurdles at the European Championships last year breaking the Norwegian national record in the process, in 48:84. He then set a new country record of 48:49 at the Rio Olympics.
He warmed up for tomorrow’s 400m hurdles with an impressive 44:87 flat 400m in Floro last weekend. He said, “My first hurdles race of the season will be at the Bislett Games. I was pleased with my flat 400m but hurdles is a different thing – there are ten chances to mess it up. Tomorrow will show if I am ready.”
Clement came second in the Doha qualifying meeting in May in 49:40. Last weekend he ran a flat 400m in Hengelo in 46:19.
He said, “ This year my main goal is the World Championships. I need to be ready for the moment. I do not have the stress of the trails so I can just concentrate on preparing for the Champs.
“I expect a good race tomorrow. There is always a good atmosphere in Oslo and my plan is to go out and execute my race plan and have fun.”
For Warholm, he will be running in front of his home crowd. He commented, “My family and friends will come. I have trained here a lot and the atmosphere is very special but it will be a fun experience.”
On meeting Edwin Moses, he said, “It is amazing to be sat next to a legend. I will try and follow his advice which was ‘to get out fast and run like hell!’”
For Clement it was also an honour to meet Moses, “When I started Moses was the one hurdler I had heard of. I have watched all his races, I strive to be as good as him and to have the records he has.”
Moses said, “I am looking forward to the Games. I was always emotional before every race, including here in Oslo. I would go over the race several times in my mind. It takes a lot of experience. As a hurdler you need to be very patient.”
South African, LJ van Zyl will be looking to add to his seven Diamond League points in the Road to the Final.
