The dream limit of 70 meters has existed in front of Grete Ahlberg for a long time. She has been there and sniffed several times but never been close enough to feel satisfied.
At times, she has had the thought: Should I quit?
The very last few weeks before the World Athletics Championships in Eugene.
– I think all athletes know why, it will not happen, she says.
– I felt so last three weeks ago, just before I went here: “It will never happen, I do not even know why I continue”. I was unmotivated, I took a week off. Even though it is a European Championship later on, I did not understand why I should train.
Over the dream line
The people around the World Cup debutant Ahlberg – coach Mattias Jons, parents and many more – made henna think again, gain new strength.
She took the energy with her to the World Cup city in the USA, after only five days before the championship found out that she qualified via ranking.
The result: 70.87 meters.
1.24 meters better than its previous personal best.
And then 87 centimeters above the dream limit.
– Everyone has said that it will come, it only takes time, the question has only been when … And that I do it now; I gain such confidence in the process. I feel that I can not only do it, I can do it when it comes to, she says.
Initially, she perceived the cast as bad and also did not see how far the sledgehammer went.
It was only when she heard the coach shouting in the stands that she understood that something special had just happened.
– I thought it was a drunk who entered the arena and who screamed aggressively, and then I just see that Mattias holds up two hands. Then I realized it was over 70.
Final on Sunday
TT: What were the feelings then?
– What have I done? I ran into a cameraman because I did not know my surroundings. I was so inside myself, I think I forgot that I was in the most powerful athletics arena in the United States.
– I will not be able to sleep tonight.
She needs sleep. The throw turned out to be long enough for Grete Ahlberg to be among the top twelve to settle with the World Cup medals.
The final will be decided at 20.35 on Sunday.