Murto will meet Canadian Alysha Newman and Greek Eléni-Klaoúdia Pólak in Turkuhalli.
Pole vaulter Wilma Murto is seriously trying to score 490 on Wednesday evening in the competition organized in Turkuhalli. He was already close to the height on Saturday in France. It was the second competition of the reign for him.
– The crossing had great potential. That’s why I’m excited that after Saturday’s race, I can try again on Wednesday. I’m hungry from the altitude of 490. As high as I can go, I’m going to jump, says Murto.
The goal of the whole season is to get medals from prestigious competitions. The Paris Olympics is of course an important goal and crossing five meters.
– I think that everyone in our group has been talking about five meters since the age of 10, but it’s less of a joke to me all the time. I hope there will be those companies this year.
A real race, although there is entertainment involved
Wilma Murto opened her season at the beginning of January with a SE of 481 on indoor tracks. On outdoor courts, her Finnish record is 485.
The race venue in Turku is exciting. It is built in the middle of the hockey rink. Murto says that he has jumped in special places before, so he is not startled.
– The competitive situation is serious, but it is a pleasure for us that there is entertainment involved. Family and best friends come to watch, so Valentine’s Day doesn’t get much better, says Murto.
In addition to Murro, the Canadian, who surpassed his season’s best of 475 in France on Saturday, will jump in the race Alysha Newman as well as Greek Eléni-Klaoúdia Pólak.
– It’s great that this is the only sport. Women can show how strong they can jump in this sport, Newman thinks.
Eléni-Klaoúdia Pólak was a little cold in Turku’s winter, but said she was in good shape.
– The Olympics are my main goal. I hope to jump higher all the time, says Pólak.
The competition is organized by the Paavo Nurmi Games organization. It organizes bus transports from the center of Turku towards Turkuhalli starting at 16:15 due to the bus strike.