Five years ago, two very different stories started at almost the exact same time. One happened on a running track in Norway. The other happened in a boardroom in China. Now, they’ve come together in a way that actually makes a lot of sense.
Norwegian sprinter Karsten Warholm — the fastest 400-meter hurdler in history — has signed on as an official ambassador for Zeekr, a premium electric vehicle brand. The announcement comes just days before Warholm races at the Bislett Games in Oslo on June 10, the very same track where he shattered the world record back in July 2021.
Same Year, Different Stages
Here’s where it gets interesting. Warholm broke the 400m hurdles world record at Bislett Stadium in the summer of 2021. That same year, Zeekr launched its first vehicles. Both were new, fast, and making a lot of noise. Now, five years later, they’re celebrating their shared anniversary as official partners.
Warholm didn’t stop at just one world record, either. He lowered his own time again at the Tokyo Olympics later that summer. His record of 45.94 seconds still stands today, and he remains one of the biggest names in global track and field.
Zeekr has grown quickly too. The brand now sells vehicles in 45 markets around the world, including 16 countries across Europe.
More Than Just a Sponsorship Deal
This isn’t just a company slapping an athlete’s face on a billboard. Warholm will appear in exclusive content throughout the year, showing what elite athletic performance and high-end electric vehicles actually have in common. Spoiler: it’s all about the tiny details.
Warholm put it pretty well himself.
“Performance at this level has never been just about one race,” he said. “It is about everything around it, the preparation, the precision, and the partners who help build a career. Zeekr lives at that level of detail. Joining them now, in a year that marks five years for both of us since 2021, with a season that points towards the World Championships and ultimately Los Angeles, feels like the right partnership at the right time.”
Electric Cars on the Diamond League Circuit
The partnership goes beyond Warholm personally. Zeekr is already the Official Mobility Partner of the Wanda Diamond League for the 2026 season. A fleet of Zeekr X, Zeekr 7X, and the brand-new Zeekr 7GT will support seven European Diamond League events — in Rome, Stockholm, Oslo, Paris, Monaco, Lausanne, and Zurich — handling athlete transportation, team logistics, and media operations.
The season wraps up in Brussels on September 4 and 5.
Lothar Schupet, CEO of Zeekr Europe, said the timing feels meaningful for the brand.
“Karsten represents everything we admire in elite performance and fundamental principles of Zeekr: precision, consistency and a relentless commitment to excellence,” Schupet said. “To welcome him as a Zeekr ambassador in a year that marks five years for both the athlete and the brand is a moment of real meaning for us.”
Diamond League CEO Petr Stastny was equally enthusiastic.
“Karsten is one of the most exceptional athletes in our series, and partnerships like this strengthen the connection between our athletes and the brands that support our competitions,” Stastny said. “I’m excited to see what the future holds for Zeekr and this unique partnership.”
What’s Next for Warholm
With the World Championships and the Los Angeles Olympics on the horizon, Warholm has plenty of reasons to stay sharp. And if his track record — pun absolutely intended — says anything, he’s not slowing down anytime soon.
________________________
Ready to weigh in on the Shanghai Diamond League? Whether you agree, disagree, or have insider knowledge to share – the comments section below is waiting for YOUR unique perspective. Join the Trackalerts Social conversation now!
Like us on Facebook @trackalerts
Follow us on Instagram @trackalerts
Subscribe to our YouTube @trackalertstv
Follow us on TikTok @trackalerts
Follow us on X @trackalerts
Follow us on Threads @trackalerts
