Hugs: “Must be tough”

Just before the riot at the indoor World Cup in Belgrade, Andreas Kramer was hit by Noah Kibet’s elbow.

The Swede was disturbed and finished fifth.

The Kenyan fought all the way to the podium and took silver.

Bangs are included in the race

That particular race has been forgotten, says Kramer when he stands in the summer sun outside the World Cup village. But the runner knows that this is not the last time he will have to slam during the 800-meter race.

And perhaps especially in the World Cup races, which begin with qualifiers the night before Thursday.

– That is exactly what is 800 meters. It’s a little fun with it but also hard sometimes, he says.

– I know that you have to be tough in such contexts. I hope to avoid messy situations. If I get a free race, I know I will run well.

Kramer also knows which ones he must avoid.

– There is no one I can “name drop” here but some you have a few decimetres to not run into.

Unclear boundary among rules

He himself is not “so ugly”, he says, but he also does not hesitate to push anyone if it benefits the running path towards the World Cup final and finally the medals.

– It includes a little close contact in 800, then it goes some limit that is a little unclear. There are judges who sit and judge here and there. Sometimes there are rules that go your way, sometimes not. It is difficult to say what is right or what is wrong.

However, Andreas Kramer is not in the US to hand out slaps. He has traveled all the way across the Atlantic to take part in the battle for the medals.

With a sense of being in shape, experiences from previous major championships and international major galas, it is a confident but also a realistic runner who sets out in search of Hayward Field.

– It has previously gone well in the championship, it has gone worse and I know both feelings. I want to leave here and feel that I have done my part. I aim for the final but it is tight with all runners this year, he says.