PHOTO: Bildbyrån
Armand Duplantis and Perseus Karlström fixed the Swedish gold medals in the athletics EC. And then we got to see another Swedish sprint wonder.
Now Kajsa Bergqvist is hoping for more Olympic places.
– I have good hopes for that, says the national team captain.
The championship in Rome ended with another display of the pole vaulter Armand Duplantis. Third straight EC gold, new championship record (6.10) and a reminder of who is Sweden’s biggest Olympic favorite this summer.
Even the pedestrian Perseus Karlstrom goes to Paris with favorite pressure after the EC gold in 20 km. Carl Bengtstrom secured the third Swedish European Championship medal with a bronze in the 400 meter hurdles.
“Fantastic Era”
The goal of six medals, as many as during the European Championships in Gothenburg 2006, was not reached. Among the disappointments is the Olympic champion Daniel Ståhls medal miss in discus.
– But I am very proud of the efforts of those who are active. There are an incredible number of people who set personal records, set season bests and placed well. We have three medals, a bunch of fourth places and fifth places, says Bergqvist.
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It is above all a branch group that stood out, she believes.
– Sprint, wow, damn what we are coming strong and wide with those who are already up and running and a bit established like Julia (Henriksson) and Henrik (Larsson), they are only 23 and 25 years old. And Carl (Bengtström) is not old either (24). We are moving towards a fantastic era, says Kajsa Bergqvist.
– What gives me goosebumps is when people break barriers, from being young and promising to suddenly being counted among the top elite. It has been awesome in this championship with generation 04 now going straight to the senior elite.
On Friday, the Swedish Olympic Committee (SOK) selects more athletes for the Olympics. There is much evidence that some track and field athletes will be given the go-ahead. Ten have already been withdrawn.
Last Olympic chance
Of those who strengthened their shares during the EC there are Henrik Larsson, who came fourth in the 100 meters. Also the shooting star Erik Erlandsson20, who roared into the final of the 200 meters where he finished fourth.
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Julia Henriksson has approached during the spring Linda Haglunds Swedish records in 100 and 200 meters and in the EC she touched the 45-year-old record in 200 meters when she was sixth in the EC final. At the same time roared Nora Lindahl by reaching the semi-finals of the 200 meters in a personal best of 22.89 – just seven hundredths off the Swedish record. One or both could be rewarded with Olympic tickets.
READ MORE: Armand Duplantis stopped by the family – mother Helena Duplantis regrets her decisive decision: “I should never have done it”
The SM in Uddevalla June 28-30 is the last chance for the track and field athletes to take an Olympic place. Bergqvist hopes for 20-25 active in Paris.
What do you think of Sweden’s effort at the European Athletics Championships? Share the article and have your say!
Athletes in the Olympics:
Andreas Kramer (800 meters).
Andreas Almgren (5,000 and 10,000 meters).
Carl Bengtström (400 meter hurdles).
Thobias Montler (length).
Armand Duplantis (staff).
Daniel Ståhl (discus).
Fanny Roos (bullet).
Suldan Hassan (marathon).
Carolina Wikström (marathon).
Perseus Karlström (walk).
Sweden at the European Championships:
Gold: Perseus Karlström, 20 km walk, Armand Duplantis, pole vault.
Bronze: Carl Bengtström, 400 m hurdles.
Four: Henrik Larsson, 100 m. Erik Erlandsson, 200 m, Daniel Ståhl, discus, Andreas Almgren, 10,000 m.
Fifth: Andreas Kramer, 800 m.
Six: Julia Henriksson, 200 m.
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