Norway’s Karsten Warholm has never been one to follow conventional training methods. The reigning Olympic 400m hurdles champion is known for his explosive speed, relentless intensity, and an approach to training that often defies expectation. But even by his own standards, this was unparalleled.
In an audacious display of athleticism and creativity, Warholm became the first person to hurdle on ice, sprinting across a frozen Norwegian lake in nothing but shorts, spikes, and incredible determination.
For this unprecedented training session, Warholm raced across a frozen lake, hurdling over man-made ice obstacles with remarkable precision despite the slippery surface and biting cold. With each step, he relied on specially modified shoes to maintain his speed and balance, proving that even the most unforgiving conditions could be mastered with the right combination of preparation, skill, and boldness.
“It was surprisingly easy to run on ice,” Warholm said after the session. “The spikes provided much better grip than expected, and once I felt confident, it was actually a very nice running experience.”
The setting was as harsh as it was breathtaking – a vast, frozen expanse just outside Oslo, where temperatures were well below zero degrees Celsius, and biting winds lashed at 54 kilometres per hour. Warholm, undeterred, lined up in his lane, braving the elements with his signature intensity.
It was a serious training exercise, one that required both precision and adaptability. Sprinting on ice presented its own set of challenges, yet the addition of hurdles intensified the test even further. The surface, slick and unforgiving, demanded near-perfect balance. The wind, howling across the lake, added yet another layer of difficulty.
“I do this because we like to train creatively, and it really shows the sport in a different way,” Warholm explained. “I also think it’s a bit exotic for people to see Norway like this.”
Of course, even the world’s best hurdler couldn’t take on such a challenge without the right gear. Enter coach and long-time mentor Leif Olav Alnes, who helped modify Warholm’s spikes for the task. Already featuring tiny rear spikes for traction, the shoes were reinforced with 9mm studs at the front, providing just enough grip to make sprinting possible on the icy surface.
It was an experiment in innovation as much as it was in endurance. And for Warholm, it was also about pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the sport.
“What’s great about these sessions is that they showcase both the sport and the country in a unique way,” he said. “This is a follow-up to the winter training we did in the snow at Bislett last year. I think it’s fun for running enthusiasts to see how we can play with the sport.”
While many of his rivals focus on the upcoming World Indoor Championship, Warholm continues to test his limits in the most unconventional conditions. Running on ice might not be the key to a world title, but for an athlete who thrives on experimentation, it fits perfectly into his philosophy.
“Sessions like this won’t win me a gold medal at the World Championships,” Warholm admitted. “But the playful attitude and approach that Leif and I have already brought us many golds, and will bring many more in the future.”
As the track season looms and Warholm sets his sights on yet another world title, this frozen challenge may not have been a direct preparation for the summer. But it was, unquestionably, the coolest hurdle run ever.
