Amanda Kotaja had to defend her world championship while recovering. He was surprised that, despite the difficulties, he was able to perform so hard that it brought him the third consecutive World Championship gold in 100 meters.
Anu Karttunen,
Sari Sirkki
Amanda Kotaja reeled late on Friday evening already for the third time in a row as the T54 class 100 meter world champion. Kotaja beat Mauritius, which won silver Noemi Alphonsen by 0.09 seconds and the third-placed United States by Tatyana McFadden by 0.15 seconds.
For some reason, in Kotaja’s opinion, the WC final was harder than ever, and he had to prepare for the competition due to a sinus infection, unsure of his condition.
– A pretty wild day is behind us. Yesterday (Friday) was a really, really long day. Of course, a good day and everything culminates in this medal, Kotaja said, looking at his gold medal.
– It’s awfully hard to dream, but I feel happy nonetheless.
In addition to his medal, Kotaja was happy Iida Lounelan from the gold medal hairstyle.
– Iida also did a competition hairstyle yesterday. It is an important part of preparation, he reminded.
Although the sinus infection did not decisively affect Kotaja’s speed in the 100 meters, he decided to skip Saturday’s 400 meters race, deviating from his original plan
– After the 100-meter race, the team and I concluded that it doesn’t make sense at this point to risk my health for the 400-meter race, which is, however, completely a side sport for me. That’s how much I’ve been feeling, recovered. I believe it was absolutely correct.
This season, Kotaja has set a new Finnish record of 400 meters with a time of 54.93. In that time, he would have made it to the final in eighth place. The 100 meters will remain Kotaja’s main distance, but he believes that the longer distance has potential in the future.
From Paris to Paris, the second phase begins
Next, Kotaja plans to heal himself to full health, as the competition season continues, for example, with the Kaleva Games. “Paris number one” is now successfully behind and next in the big picture, Kotaja will turn his sights to “Paris number two”, i.e. next summer’s Paralympics.
– The next season will certainly be quite an exciting journey. I’m looking forward to working with Arno and Juss, Kotaja said.
Dutch Arno Mulin joined Kotaja’s coaching group in the spring, and in his lessons, Kotaja has changed both his training and his reeling position. Previously worked as a responsible coach Jussi-Pekka Kurtti continue as a physical trainer.
– We get to pull through an entire, intact training season together for the first time. I am really looking forward to the training season and I believe that we will see the development.
By changing the winding position, Kotaja got to the end of the hundredth by Tatyana McFadden of the world record. So what can be expected from him when he gets to train properly with Mulin and Kurt?
– That remains to be seen, Kotaja said enigmatically.