Amalie Iuel ended her career with an impressive 400m hurdles victory at Opningstemne Karsten Warholm Stadion

Amalie Iuel brought a legendary curtain down on her athletics career by winning the women’s 400-meter hurdles at the Opningstemne, hosted at the newly opened Karsten Warholm Stadion in Ulsteinvik on September 26.

In what was officially the final race of her illustrious journey, the Norwegian track icon delivered a commanding victory, crossing the finish line in 57.22 seconds. The emotional event served as the grand opening of the stadium named after her long-time training partner, Olympic champion Karsten Warholm. Facing blustery and rainy outdoor conditions, Amalie Iuel leaned on her veteran experience and precise hurdle clearance to dominate from start to finish, capping off a remarkable decade at the sport’s highest level. Following her triumph, a packed crowd of nearly 2,000 spectators and fellow athletes stood to honor her contribution to Norwegian sport.

Securing the runner-up position was her longtime training partner and close friend, Elisabeth Slettum, who completed the loop in 58.87 seconds. Slettum mounted a strong challenge down the back straight, but she couldn’t keep pace with the emotional momentum carried by Iuel through the final bend. Following them across the line to take the third spot on the podium was Susanne Tveit Amundsen, who clocked in at 1:02.44 minutes after battling through the damp conditions.

For Amalie Iuel, who had previously announced that 2026 would be her final competitive season, the evening was about celebrating an extraordinary career rather than merely chasing times. Under the guidance of legendary coach Leif Olav Alnes, the 32-year-old hurdler had achieved some of her best forms earlier in the year, making this home-soil exit bittersweet for the Norwegian athletics community. Warholm himself expressed the immense void her retirement leaves in their training group, emphasizing her influence as a role model and supportive leader.

“Amalie has been a huge inspiration and role model to me for many years, not only as an athlete but also as the amazing person she is”, wrote Henriette Jaeger in Instagram. “She has also been an outstanding captain of Stafettjentene (Norwegian women’s 4x400m relay team). She has a special way of making everyone feel included and welcome. Thank you so much for all the amazing experiences we’ve shared through sport. I’m going to miss you so much at competitions and championships”, added the sprinter.

Following the race, Amalie Iuel took the microphone to share a heartfelt thank you with the fans, her club, and her family. Looking ahead, there is strong advocacy within the Norwegian Athletics Federation to keep her extensive knowledge in the sport through a coaching or administrative capacity, a transition she expressed open interest in pursuing as her new chapter begins.

“Amalie Iuel ‘s last race. Congrats on an amazing career”, commented also Karsten Warholm.

Amalie Iuel is 2026 European and World Athletics Relays champion in 4x400m relay, as well as Diamond League winner in 2021 in 400m. She is a multiple national champion in varioud events, as well as 2017 NCAA Indoor champion in 4x400m relay.