Lampela injured his leg in an unfortunate descent at the athletics GP in Espoo on Wednesday. In the World Cup rankings, Lampela is still scarce, but would need more screens to secure the race ticket.
9.6. 19:37 • Updated June 9th. 19:46
Stick jumper Elina Lampela was in high spirits on Wednesday night in Espoo.
Lampela crossed the altitude 450 fairly effortlessly and then set his own record from a height of 460. However, the descent to the limbo jump failed and Lampela ended up injuring his leg.
– I changed the rod in it and in the jump itself the effort went under. As I landed on the front mattress, the spike grabbed the edge of the mattress and I landed on my foot with all my weight, Lampela explained the situation to Urheilu.
No broken bones were found on the x-rays, but magnetic resonance imaging revealed a ligament injury in the ankle.
According to the doctor’s assessment, an ankle injury keeps Lampela on his side for at least a couple of weeks, in the worst case, even a month.
– Fortunately, nothing went wrong, not as bad as it could have been. Yes, I will still be competing this summer, Lampela assured me.
What happens to the World Championships in Lampela?
Lampela’s own record of 453 is from last summer. Before the unfortunate injury, Lampela’s jump went great, so the goals for the summer are high.
– I’m in really good shape right now. Yesterday the goal was to jump to the European Championship limit of 460. I think the top 460 jumps will be seen from me as long as the ankle is rehabilitated.
Prior to yesterday’s competition, Lampela was ranked 30th in the international pole rankings.
The ranking closes in two and a half weeks on June 26th. Getting into the pile of races needed at Lampela’s ankle before that can be a really tough hurry.
– The World Championships are definitely the goal of the summer, but now a little bend came. There is not too much time. I hope to be able to jump before the rankings close, but it’s really hard to say, Lampela ponders.
Lampela’s current ranking points may not be enough to redeem a race ticket, as there are still a lot of athletes coming to the race. Of course, the disappointment of qualifying would be great.
– When you were already at the Olympics last summer, the goal cannot be lower than at the World Cup and European Championships. Being left out would be a big disappointment. Last year, the Olympics were a tough place, and that’s why I need more value experience.