Wilma Murro’s main opponent was dramatically eliminated from the final – the Finnish star suddenly started to feel sad

Wilma Murto crossed the qualifying limit of 465 and advanced to the final. Murto cleared every height in the qualification with the first jump. New Zealand’s Eliza McCartney unexpectedly missed the qualification.

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Reigning European Champion Wilma Murto cleared the pole vault qualification at the World Championships in Hungary cleanly by exceeding the qualifying height of 465. Murto easily exceeded all four heights in his first.

For example, the result of 460 can be described as basic oats for Murro, as he had exceeded it in seven of his previous competitions before qualifying.

Murto described that the qualifying went according to a “safe” formula.

– Just such basic good jumps. No button performance. There was a bit of searching with the step mark, but luckily there is still a margin of error at that point, Murto described to Urheilu.

You can watch the qualifying line of crossing Murro in the following video.

Challenges were also created by the fact that Murto crossed every height on his first try. Then also the waiting time for the next jump.

– It’s quite challenging when in this weather you can’t do anything between jumps, so as not to use up your energy before the most important heights. On the other hand, you have to stay awake all the time and watch how the race progresses.

The qualifying competition lasted well over two hours for Murro. He stated that he even had to start eating a second banana during the competition.

– We spent quite a long evening there, even though it was only a qualifier. Quite a physical performance.

– You have to be patient not to use up too much energy. Now I had to eat another banana already. I’m happy with how I did. Especially in this weather, that’s not an easy task.

Favorite aside

There was also drama in the qualifiers, when one of Murro’s main opponents, Eliza McCartney, hurt his leg. McCartney attempted the 450 three times, but the last time he had to abandon his performance.

Two-time world champion and Tokyo Olympic champion Katie Moon has been considered the golden favorite for the final, but Murro’s coach Jarno Koivunen considered McCartney to be the Finn’s main opponent.

– I believe that he will be the toughest opponent of all in Budapest, Koivunen told Urheilu.

Murto was surprised that McCartney was eliminated from the final. Murto had calculated that in addition to him, there are five other names in the medal fight. In Murro’s calculations, McCartney was among the three toughest competitors, Moon and Nina Kennedy in addition.

Murto did not start to rejoice at the fall of his rival, but his comment showed sadness.

– I feel that now one is missing. I always hope that the best would be in the final. With a humble mind, I will go to the final on Wednesday, one bar at a time, he said.

Murto described his three toughest competitors to Urheilu before the qualifiers. You can watch them in the video below.

Best of the season unseen?

Murto has exceeded 480 twice this year, the last time a month ago in the London Diamond League. He previously believed in an interview with Urheilu that his condition is on the better side of height 480.

– I believe that the best of the season is yet to be seen.

Lampela and Andersson qualify

Finland Elina Lampela was 21st and missed qualifying. Especially Lampela’s second attempt from height 460 was very close. Lampela has exceeded his record of 456 this season.

Saga Andersson the qualifier ended at the opening height instead. Andersson didn’t get over the bar with any attempt and three ticks were recorded on his results list.