Wilma Murro’s wild record improvement in the European Championship final excited the fans. Athletics boss Sami Itani promises to offer dinner to the new European champion.
Joel Sippola,
Joel Holma,
Hinn Hirvonen
17:30•Updated 17:33
The European Championship week in Munich can be seen on channels from August 11 to 21. You can find live broadcasts, highlights, the competition schedule, interesting news and topics on ‘s competition page.
The evening had already turned into night when the fresh European pole vault champion Wilma Murtoa was celebrated at the hotel of the Finnish national athletics team. In addition to the Finnish team, there were several people close to Murro and Finnish fans.
Murro’s parents were also there Checkmate and Sari Murto.They were naturally proud of their daughter’s wonderful achievement.
– The championship was quite a surprise, although that possibility could not be ruled out. There is still something to digest, the proud mother commented to Urheilu.
In the final, Murto improved his former Finnish record (472) no less than three times. The championship was decided by crossing a height of 480.
After securing the gold medal, Murto did not leave the competition unfinished. He wanted to clear the height of 485, which he passed handsomely on the second attempt.
Sari Murro’s daughter’s strong record-setting streak reminded Sari Murro of the race from more than six years ago. At the time, 17-year-old Wilma Murto jumped the junior ME height of 465 in the indoor competition held in Zweibrücken, Germany. However, this was not enough for Murto, as the height was increased to 471. Even that was exceeded.
– There was a similar situation in the Junior ME competition. When I tried to congratulate him, he said not yet. There will be more. Now the same flow mode was on. I don’t know if he had continued, if he would have gone even higher, Sari Murto reflected.
Murro’s competitive mentality came to the fore as a child.
– He has had a strong desire to compete since childhood. Big brother (Kalle) played sports at that time. Wilma had a strong desire to do the same. When we went to watch some games, he said I want to go there, Matti Murto recalled.
“Who else can do the same?”
The coach was also watching the final Jarno Koivunen father Jouko Koivunen their friends Keijo Rekolan and Jari Kunelius with.
– I told Jarno earlier that Wilma jumps her best jumps in value competitions these days. At this point, I’m really grateful that I said that to Jarno. Apparently he had understood something of my words, Keijo Rekola joked.
Rekola has seen in Munich before by Janne Holmen and Jukka Keskisalon gold rushes. However, Murro’s winning performance motivated him more.
– I have never been so emotional. I’m really happy for them. Three Finnish record jumps in the same competition. Who else can do the same? Sergei Bubka improved the world record by one centimeter at a time.
When Murto exceeded 485, according to Jari Kunelius, the stadium had an unimaginable feeling.
– I would never have believed that the bar would be raised to that height. When Wilma got over it, many things came to mind.
– I knew that these things were coming. I didn’t know that now or in the next competition. I am happy for him, Stefanidi commented to Iltalehte.
– I know Wilma’s path and the obstacles she has had to overcome. He is a fantastic talent in the pole vault. He has had this result in his pocket, but he just had to put the pieces of the puzzle together, Duplantis told Ilta-Sanom.
Itan doesn’t have to leave
Chairman of the Finnish Sports Association Sami Itani watched the pole vault final on site at the legendary Olympic Stadium.
– It was amazing to watch the final in the stadium. I am proud of Wilma and her team. Yesterday’s finale was literally a huge breakthrough. We didn’t just get a new medalist in Finnish athletics, but a new superstar, Itani beamed.
Murro’s gold was Finland’s first pole medal in 44 years. It was also the first prestigious medal won by a Finnish female all-around athlete on outdoor tracks in 20 years. In addition, Murro’s championship was the first Finnish medal achieved by someone other than a javelin man in 16 years.
– When you look at women’s athletics or women’s sports in general even 10 or 15 years ago, it was quite a difficult situation in Finland. It is great that Finnish women have started to rise in athletics and sports on a wide front. When we have a broad front with good, competent coaching, there will inevitably be breakthroughs, Itani believes.
Itani announced before the European Championships that he would resign from his position if Finland did not win any medals from the Games. Is the chairman going to offer Murro a dinner, for example, as a thank you?
– Of course without anything else. Wilma can choose the time and place, I’ll take care of the rest!