Damian Warner, Pierce LePage face off in sneak preview of showdown at world championships

This weekend, Canadian decathletes Damian Warner and Pierce LePage are set to face off at the annual Hypo Meeting in Götzis, Austria. This event, held in the picturesque town nestled in the Austrian Alps, is the biggest multi-event competition in the world, outside of the Olympic Games and world championships. For Warner and LePage, this competition holds even more significance as they look to bounce back from a challenging previous season.

Warner, a four-time world championship medallist and defending Olympic champion, faced a setback at last summer’s Olympic Games when he had to withdraw midway through the competition due to a triple fault in the pole vault. Reflecting on that moment, Warner expressed his determination to right the ship and prove himself once again. LePage, on the other hand, had a successful 2023 season, becoming the first Canadian to win a world title in decathlon. However, a back injury derailed his 2024 season, causing him to miss the Hypo Meeting and the Paris Olympics. Now, after undergoing surgery to repair a herniated disc, LePage is eager to defend his title and redeem himself.

Götzis provides the perfect backdrop for Warner and LePage to kick off their journey towards the world championships in Tokyo. Both athletes have a strong connection to this event, with Warner having won a record-extending eight titles at the Hypo Meeting. LePage, who ended Warner’s streak of seven consecutive titles in 2023, will be looking to reclaim the top spot once again. Their rivalry has pushed each other to new heights, with Warner crediting LePage for motivating him to improve his own performance.

This year’s Hypo Meeting will also see the debut of Germany’s Leo Neugebauer, the Olympic silver medallist, adding another layer of competition to the mix. The event will feature a series of challenging events, including the 100 metres, long jump, shot put, high jump, 400m, 110m hurdles, discus, pole vault, javelin, and 1,500m.

As Warner and LePage prepare to face off in Götzis, they are focused on putting their past struggles behind them and aiming for success in the upcoming world championships. This showdown is sure to be a thrilling spectacle for athletics fans around the world, as these two Canadian decathletes showcase their skills and determination on the international stage.