Pole vaulter Wilma Murto confirmed that she will not compete in the reign.
Joel Sippola,
Janne Karinkanta
Urheilu follows the Sports Gala moment by moment in this article. The broadcast on Areena starts at 6 pm and on TV2 at 8 pm.
Pole vault star Wilma Murto does not compete in the government period at all. Coach Jarno Koivunen told Urheilu a few weeks ago that Murto is considering skipping the entire hall season.
Murto told Urheilu on the red carpet of the Sports Gala that he will not compete in the hall season at all. Therefore, the EC indoor winner from two years ago will not defend his title in Holland in March.
At the end of March, the World Championship halls will be contested in China, so Murto will not be seen there either.
– The plans have become more detailed so that I will not compete in the government term. I understand well why many track and field athletes skip the indoor season after the Olympic season.
Murro’s last year was ruined by injuries. He was sixth in the Olympics and eighth in the European Championships.
– It has been a difficult year. Now collecting. In the fall are the World Championships (on the outdoor track), which we are aiming for.
Cooperation with Veikkaus
Murto says that he wanted to look at the overall picture of this athletics year. The World Championships in Tokyo held in September is much more important as a competition than the prestige competitions of the Halli period.
– We don’t try to get anything done in a hurry. However, it has now been ten years of competition without any major breaks or relaxations.
Urheilu reported on Monday that Murto has signed a sponsorship agreement with Veikkaus worth no less than 100,000 euros.
– It was great to work on it in the fall. It’s a pleasure to be a part of this. It is an important collaboration.
Murto feels that his training conditions have been good so far. Money makes it possible for Murro not to have to make any compromises.
– There are no limits to what you can do. It enables more.
Betting on sports also has negative aspects, such as gambling addiction. Murto says that he wants to make ethical choices.
– I want to make responsible choices. I feel that Veikkaus is responsible in its own industry and strives to do better. I am happy to cooperate.
Updated 17.24: Added Murro’s comments.