Anders Gärderud’s Swedish record for 5,000 meters stood for an incredible 46 years.
When he meets Andreas Almgren for the first time, he does not hold back in his praise.
– My record stood for an unreasonably long time. I am very happy for him, he says to Radiosporten.
Anders Gärderud was only 30 years old when he ran 13.17.59 at the Stockholm Stadium. This year’s was 1976 – and since then no Swede has run faster at 5,000 meters. The Swedish record has been considered to be among the most difficult to beat, and it stood for a full 46(!) years.
Icon’s Tribute
Until this weekend. Andreas Almgren had impressed greatly during training in recent weeks, and the starting list suggested that something very special could happen. And that’s exactly how it happened. The 27-year-old ran in a mind-boggling 13.01.70 – thus erasing Gärderud from the record lists.
Anders Gärderud has now met Almgren for the first time after the race, in a meeting where Radiosporten was present, and 76-year-old Gärderud believes that he got “Bob Beamon vibes” from the race.
– Jacob Hård and I had guessed what Andreas would run on. I bet 13.09 and I thought I got in. Jacob bet 13.06 and I thought he was completely wrong. Then it was 13.01, and it’s absolutely fantastic. It’s great fun, above all, he says.
“It’s unreasonable”
Now the icon Gärderud believes that we have a new Swedish record that can stand at least as long as his did. He believes that it wasn’t very long ago that runners started running under 13 minutes, and now Almgren is almost there.
– It has been an unreasonably long time that the record has existed. With what Andreas has done so far, I think he has the opportunity to do even better. It’s the kind of result that can stand for 46 years. I have a feeling that. Because it’s so damned good, he says.
Andreas Almgren is humble about the tributes, and takes the opportunity to throw back some nice words.
– It’s awesome to stand here with him. Anders is one of the – if not the greatest – runners in Swedish history. With Olympic gold, world records and I don’t know how many Swedish records… It’s very big to be here.
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