Ari Nummela, who has incurable cancer, is in good health considering the circumstances. The EC medal came from the “wrong” way for the duo.
ESPOO. Director of coaching and training of the Finnish Sports Association Jarkko Finni and former head coach Tuomo Salonen come to congratulate by Eemil Helander After a 5,000 meter run Ari Nummelaa.
Helander has just won silver at the European Youth Championship, and the long-time coach is clearly moved. This is clearly more than just a medal.
Nummela has incurable cancer. The experienced coach has had a dream to see his coach on the podium.
– I would still like to see Eemil on the podium in Espoo. I know that is Eemil’s most important goal. I’m trying to help that this also happens, Ari Nummela said in an interview with Urheilu in the spring.
Helander was not one of the statistical favorites for the 5,000 meters in Espoo, but he started to make an unprejudiced bet. by Charles Hicks in the wake of. The end result is a wonderful silver medal and a record of 13:40,15.
– Of course, this is done for Eemil. His big goal has been a junior medal. He has been very close to medals, but now it came. Absolutely brilliant.
– Of course, my own background makes me sensitive here. This silver medal also goes to emotions.
A medal for the “wrong” journey
Back in the spring, Helander and Nummela’s idea was to aim for a medal in the 3,000-meter steeplechase. The highly promising endurance runner had to defend the fourth place of the European Championships two years ago.
However, an ankle problem changed the plans. Nummela says that they have considered obstacles to be Eemil’s main sport.
– There have been better opportunities to succeed. That’s why obstacles have been considered the main sport. I don’t know if this will change the man’s mind. It may be that he will continue to compete in both.
Helander made a very brave run. Sports expert Jaakko Ojaniemi sorry that the group started too hard. Among other things, it was too much for the Norwegian early favorite and this had to be stopped.
However, Helander’s condition created the conditions to keep up with such a pace.
– The idea was to fight for medals. Hicks started pulling really hard from the start, so you just had to keep up.
“Great to be here”
Nummela followed the runs in a very calm tone. Next to me was the endurance running coach who followed the race Mikko Rajaniemi focused on hard cheering.
– I was outwardly calm. However, it was exciting how the guy could handle Hicks’ speed. I knew that he is in better shape than in Stockholm, where he ran his previous record.
Nummela’s condition is good considering the conditions.
– Yesterday I had a medical drip and drove from here to there. Nothing. I can do light everyday activities.
– It’s great that I got here and can be here. This is absolutely brilliant. I am really satisfied.