TOKYO (REUTERS) - Karsten Warholm was still patiently making his way through the media "mixed zone" more than an hour after his stunning, world-record-destroying run in the 400m hurdles on Tuesday (Aug 3), and still he seemed unable to absorb the enormity of his achievement.
It was hardly surprising. The Norwegian won Olympic gold in an incredible 45.94 seconds, taking almost a whole second off his own world record of 46.70 from last month in an event where progress is usually measured in hundredths.
American silver medallist Rai Benjamin was also miles inside the old mark in 46.17 seconds as the race more than lived up to its Tokyo top billing.
"Man, it's so crazy. It's by far the biggest moment of my life," said Warholm.
"You know the cliche that it hasn't sunk in yet? I don't think it has, but I feel ecstatic.
"I told myself going in to the race to remember all the work you have put in. I can't describe how important this is for me. This is what I do morning until night, it's huge.
"I dream about it like a maniac. I sleep all night on it. I spend all my time thinking about this, thousands of hours, so just getting this last medal into my collection. It's complete."
Warholm delivered a technically brilliant race, maintaining his positional advantage over Rai, on the lane inside him, through the first 300m.
The American briefly threatened to pull level as they sprung into the final straight, but the double world champion pushed again and was a clear winner.
Meanwhile, reigning world champion Malaika Mihambo of Germany won the women's long jump gold with her final leap of 7m.
Brittney Reese of the United States took the silver ahead of bronze medallist Ese Brume of Nigeria.
After an exciting competition during which the lead changed hands frequently between Reese and Brume, Mihambo, who was placed third going into the final round, settled the deal with her last leap.
Reese and Brume finished tied on 6.97m, but the American took the silver owing to her second-best jump of 6.95m, which was 5cm longer than Brume's 6.90m.
"I feel overwhelmed. It was, I think, the most exciting women's long jump competition in history," said Mihambo.
"It was so exciting to be part of it and I am happy I made it at the end.
"I knew that I could jump farther than 6.95m. I just needed to hit the board. I knew all the time that I could do it. I just knew that I had one last attempt to do it and I am so happy to grab the gold."
