Norway's Olympic champion Karsten Warholm has won the men's 400m hurdles in a race hindered by a protest from environmentalists at a rain-hit Diamond League meet in Stockholm.
Three protesters knelt on the track about 10 metres from the finish line, stretching a banner across six lanes, forcing most of the field to run through it.
Warholm, in lane eight, was not affected.
"It is permissible to protest, but this is not the way to do it," Warholm said.
"It is disrespectful to those who are here to do a good job.
"I must honestly admit that I'm p****d off."
The 27-year-old double world champion, who slapped his thighs and let out a loud whoop during the introductions, ran blind in the outside lane en route to a time of 47.57 seconds.
Heavy rain wreaked havoc on numerous events, particularly the much-anticipated men's pole vault featuring local hero Mondo Duplantis.
The event was delayed more than two hours due to safety concerns, with fans sticking around to watch more than an hour after every other event had finished. Vaulters cradled cups of tea to keep warm.
Duplantis, the Olympic and world champion, cleared 6.05 metres on his first attempt to win. He then missed on three attempts at 6.23, which would have topped his world record of 6.22.
Kristjan Ceh of Slovenia threw 69.83m despite the slick throwing circle to win the men's discus. Daniel Stahl of Sweden, who was second, hit an official in the shoulder with his throw. Broadcasters said the official was unhurt.
Australian Matthew Denny was fifth with 66.07m - his biggest throw of 2023.
Consistent Australian Jessica Hull clocked an earlier qualifier for the 2024 Paris Olympics, finishing fifth in a high-class women's 5000m in 14:44.24 - less than a second outside her national record.
“It’s great to tick off the Olympic qualifier," said Hull.
"I got a two for one, with the world standard and Olympic standard and almost a little PB and national record, but it’s great to get it so early.
"It’s a good thing to have checked that off and hopefully the 1500m qualifier will come in the next month or two."
Kenyan Beatrice Chebet took the win in 14:36.52.
Akani Simbine of South Africa, a top-five finisher in the last three world championships, was not really challenged en route to victory in the men's 100m in 10.03.
- with AAP
