– It will be great to run 800m and I will try to break my Swedish record. After the gold in Moscow, I’m full of self-confidence and on my home ground in front of the wonderful crowd at the Stadium I believe it will be a good race, said Abeba.
She has only run one 800m in the past three years and it was in June this year when she reduced Malin Ewerlöf’s 15 year old Swedish record by two tenths of a second to 1:59.20.
Tough opposition
It won’t be easy for Abeba since, besides the World Champion from Moscow, Eunice Som, bronze medallist, Brenda Martinex and 4th placed Alysia Montano will be there. Eunice Som thinks it will be a fast race.
– It could well be faster than the World Championships final, said Eunice Som, who set a personal best time by almost two seconds with her 1:57.38.
When Abeba and Eunice were asked who they thought would win at DN Galan, they both laughed and refused to respond. We will get the answer on Thursday at 21:50. The 800m is the last event on the programme.
Irene’s debut at DN Galan
This year’s World Youth 200m Champion was Sweden’s Irene Ekelund who will compete for the time in an international event at Stockholm Stadion.
– The World Youth Championships in Donetsk were cool and a good experience! DN Galan will also be fun. I will run as fast as I can, said Irene who will face the world’s elite in the 100m.
A new Swedish record holder
European Junior Champion, Sofi Flinck broke the Swedish javelin record with her first throw in the qualifying round at the World Championships in Moscow which was also her debut on the senior stage. At DN Galan she will meet several of the finalists from the Luzniki Stadium, including World Champion Christina Obergföll and bronze medallist, Mariya Abakumova.
– I’m happy with my World Championships performance! It felt good and I did my best. Now I’m looking forward to DN Galan and throwing in front of a home crowd. I will try to put on a good show, promised Sofi whose Swedish record is 61.96.
Jonas Hedman
Photos (Foto: Deca Text & Bild)
Above: Abeba Aregawi (left), and Eunice Sum who meet in the 800 m at DN Galan.
Middle: Irene Ekelund will run 100 m.
Bottom: Sofi Flinck, new Swedish javelin record holder who will debut at DN Galan.