Tokyo 2020, athletics: Karsten Warholm smashes his own world record to win men’s 400m hurdles gold

Karsten Warholm smashed his own world record as he streaked to victory in the Olympic 400m hurdles on Tuesday while Simone Biles prepared for a dramatic return to action after a Games dogged by mental health struggles.

Norway’s Warholm lit up the Olympic Stadium in the final event of the morning session, clocking a remarkable 45.94 seconds to destroy his previous world best by nearly 0.8sec.

The 25-year-old dominated the race, with long-time rival Rai Benjamin taking silver and Brazil’s Alison dos Santos claiming bronze.

Warholm roared in apparent disbelief as he spotted his winning time, dropping to his knees.

“Man it’s so crazy, said the Norwegian, already a two-time world champion. “It’s by far the biggest moment of my life. It defines everything, all the hours I put in, everything that my coach has been working for.

“I dream about it like a maniac, I tell you. I sleep all night on it. I spend all my time thinking about this, so just getting this last medal into my collection, it’s complete.”

Germany’s Malaika Mihambo soared to gold in the women’s long jump, snatching victory from former champion Brittney Reese with her last leap of the competition.

Mihambo, 27, was lying in the bronze medal position ahead of her final jump, but powered…

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