Won after monster race – pays tribute to Klüft: “My idol”

Katarina Johnson-Thompson took home the WC gold in heptathlon.
Then she took the opportunity to pay tribute to a Swedish Carolina Klüft.
– Her fighting spirit and determination is something I always try to emulate, she tells TV4.

Ahead of Sunday’s conclusion of the heptathlon, a clear tight duo had crystallized. Before the 800 meter race, most people said that either American Anna Hall or Katarina Johnson-Thompson, from Great Britain, would take home the gold.

The final heat contained the tight duo and Johnson-Thompson could “afford” beforehand to lose the race by a margin of about three seconds in order not to lose their lead of 43 points before the final stage.

But the race would prove to be a real thriller.

Anna Hall jumped out to an early lead, but Johnson-Thompson hung on and was finally able to run in a time of 2:05:63, only just behind Hall’s time of 2:04:09. The time meant a new personal best for Johnson-Thompson, who thus got to celebrate the third WC gold of her career.

– This is probably my favorite of all the golds. Even in 2019, I think this tops the others. The hard work and belief I needed to have, just to get to the starting line. I think this tops every medal and achievement, even if it’s not my highest total score, she explains to TV4 after the finish.

Tribute to Carolina Klüft

In the stands sat TV4’s expert Carolina Klüft, who is still listed for the European record, which stands at 7,032 points. Johnson-Thompson had a little way up there, when she landed on 6,740 points, but the Briton had a greeting for the Swede.

– Klüft is my favorite of all time. Last Friday night I watched a recap of her career. Her fighting spirit and determination is something I always try to emulate, as she is the greatest competitive person ever. She is my idol, says an exuberantly happy Johnson-Thompson to TV4.