On Saturday, Camilla Richardsson broke Annemari Kiekara’s almost 27-year-old 10,000-meter Finnish record. Matka’s former SE runner reminds us that the European level has hardened.
Endurance runner Camilla Richardson did a hard feat on Saturday when she broke the Finnish women’s 10,000m record in London by almost half a minute.
The previous record was from 1996, when Annemari Kiekara (born Sandell, formerly Sandell-Hyvärinen) ran a time of 31.40.72. Richardsson’s time in the London race was 31.12.72.
Richardsson made a huge personal improvement, as his previous record was 32.19.27 at last summer’s European Championships. He finished ninth in those games.
The former owner of SE was excited about Richardsson’s top move.
– Records are made to be broken. It was in my possession for almost 27 years, Kiekara tells Urheilu.
Kiekara set a long-term Finnish record at the age of 19. He feels that his 5,000 meter Finnish record of 14:56.22 is a tougher quotation than the equivalent one.
Richardsson’s 5,000 meter record is 20 seconds weaker than Kiekara’s record.
– I didn’t think then that the record would last so long, Kiekara recalls his 10,000 meter time.
Encourager
Kiekara knows Richardsson personally well. When the younger athlete has had difficult periods, he has asked the experienced Kiekara for tips.
– I have answered and supported. It’s always great to be able to try and believe in yourself.
Previously known as a 3,000 meter hurdler, Richardsson has had a good period in his career for a long time. Last summer, he improved his 5,000m record by 20 seconds and his 10m record by almost a minute.
In the winter, he set his record in the half-marathon and the Finnish record in indoor tracks at 3,000 meters.
Kiekara sees that health has been a key issue.
– He has been camping a lot and has been able to be healthy. It’s calm and the background life is fine. Yucca (Keskisalo) definitely knows the secrets of coaching and knows how to be supportive.
Kiekara adds that the top time in endurance running consists of many things.
– Good running air, good weather and a group where you can go steadily along. It consists of several pieces.
Tough European level
Richardsson’s SE time would have been enough for last summer’s European statistics instead of seventh. Although this outdoor track season has not yet properly started, Richardsson is more than a minute better than last year’s time, still “only” seventh.
Kiekara reminds us that the level of Europe is rapidly advancing. In yesterday’s race in London, four other European runners beat Richardsson.
However, instead of track runs, Richardsson’s future may focus on marathons.
– The level has risen tremendously. Of course he has opportunities and years ahead. Even on road trips, he has shown that he has something to give. He has wanted to run on the track himself.