Wilma Murto, who is recovering from an Achilles tendon injury, is doing everything she can for the Paris Olympics.
Pole vaulter Wilma Murtoa is considered one of Finland’s brightest hopes for a medal at the Summer Olympics held in Paris in July-August. Regarding the important summer, however, the Finn’s injury during the Halle season raises a little fear.
Murto had to leave the World Championships held at the beginning of March due to an achilles tendon problem. Last week, the athlete announced on his Instagram account that a small tear has been found in the Achilles tendon. On Tuesday, the Finnish star announced on social media that the start of the outdoor track season will be postponed.
According to him, the recovery from the injury is progressing according to plans. Murto emphasized that the Olympics are the number one goal of the season, on the terms of which the competition plan will be moved forward.
The European Championships in Rome will take place right at the beginning of June. Before that, three women’s pole competitions are scheduled in the Diamond League.
– An intact and successful summer requires that rehabilitation be done step by step, listening to the body, with moderation and care. I still can’t tell you when and where the summer starts for the Games, but I’ll tell you when I know, Murto wrote.
Urheilu tried to inquire about the athlete’s manager on Wednesday From Tero Heiska, when the competition season could possibly start. However, he refused to comment.
Skip the European Championships?
Sports expert Jaakko Ojaniemi sees Wilma Murro’s Instagram update as giving a positive signal about the situation of the two-time European champion. Ojaniemi says that if the tear is really small, Murto can get to the Games faster.
The start of the competition season can still be moved up to a month from the beginning of May.
– When the European Championships are so early, many athletes already have important competitions in May. It may very well be that he starts his competitive season at the European Championships.
Murto would defend his European championship from two years ago in Rome. Ojaniemi flashes a radical alternative, if the recovery does not proceed as desired.
– The Olympic Games are the main goal of the season, and we go by the conditions. If the European Championships come too early, I don’t think Wilma needs to worry too much about skipping them. I believe so, says Ojaniemi.
Starting the season directly from Rome is not an ideal option in terms of chances of success at the European Championships. However, Ojaniemi reminds us that Murto jumped his indoor track record 481 right at the start of his reign.
– If there is health and jumping confidence, it is not a problem in itself. However, it is not the main race of the season.
An exceptional time
The exceptional timing of the European Championships creates a new kind of challenge for track and field athletes. You can aim for competition limits and ranking points until May 26.
At the end of May, two GP series races will be organized in Finland. However, Ojaniemi sees that it is good for Finnish athletes to compete much earlier.
For many Finns, the European Championship is the season’s best success.
– The European Championship is the number one goal for many athletes. It would be good to get the competition season started at least three weeks before the European Championships. Two or three races would be optimal, says Ojaniemi.
In Finland, the weather makes it difficult to organize competitions already at the beginning of May, but suitable competitions can be organized in connection with spring training camps, for example.
– If you have to run a sprint in a temperature of ten degrees, it’s not exactly the best time for the European Championships. In many sports, the heat prepares the muscles and improves the release ability. I bet that many start their competition season abroad, Ojaniemi reflects.