If you asked defending Olympic champion Damian Warner where he would’ve liked to be after five events at the Paris Olympics, he certainly wouldn’t have chosen his current position. Warner sits in fourth place, off the podium, after Day 1 of the two-day multi-event competition, trailing Germany’s Leo Neugebauer by 89 points.
Day 1 presented a series of highs and lows for Warner. He performed well in the 100m and 400m but posted a season-worst of 14.45 metres in the shot put, putting him behind his competitors.
“There are a lot of ups and downs, and a lot of things I wish I did better in,” Warner said. “I’m hopeful, and the decathlon isn’t done in one day, it’s two, so I have to come out tomorrow and execute.”
After five events, Warner has accumulated a score of 4,561 points, trailing Norway’s Sander Skotheim, Puerto Rico’s Ayden Owens-Delerme, and the young star Neugebauer.
Warner feels confident about starting Day 2 with his best event, the men’s 110m hurdles. To make up ground on his competitors, he will need strong performances in the javelin throw and pole vault. “It’s easier to be the chaser,” Warner said. “I need a strong day tomorrow with my best event—the 110m hurdles—and start from there.”
When asked what score he thinks he’ll need to reach the podium, Warner estimated around 8,800 points. “The second day is a lot more technical,” he said. “If I can execute in the javelin throw and the pole vault, I know I can pick up points.”
In May, the Canadian record holder won his eighth Götzis Hypomeeting in Austria, scoring 8,678 point.
Canada’s Damian Warner aims for decathlon glory at his fourth Olympics
The 34-year-old will kick off Day 2 of the men’s decathlon at 10:00 a.m. (local time), 4:00 a.m. ET. The Day 2 events are as follows: 110m hurdles, discus throw, pole vault, javelin throw, and the 1,500m. Warner has won medals at the last two Olympic Games.
Athletics events at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games are taking place from Aug. 1-11. Today’s coverage is brought to you by Canadian Running and New Balance Canada. Follow us on Twitter on Instagram for all things Team Canada and up-to-date exclusive news and content.
