English
Emma Green Tregaro created considerable attention in the qualifying round at the World Championships in Moscow when she painted her nails in rainbow colours as a statement against Russia’s “anti-gay” law. She finished 5th in the final with a Swedish world best of 1.97, the same height reached by the bronze medal winners.
– I took the commotion in my stride and was satisfied with my 5th place which was after all a year’s best. I’m in good shape and hope to jump even higher at DN Galan, said Emma.
Gold which wasn’t to be
Russia’s, Anna Chicherova, won at both the 2011 World Championships 2012 Olympics and was one of the favourites for the title in Moscow. But it didn’t go according to plan and she stopped at 1.97 and a shared bronze medal.
– Obviously I’m disappointed that I didn’t win in Moscow but such things happen. Now I’m after revenge and because I won at DN Galan last year I want to do it again, Chicherova said.
A beautiful voice on the podium
Brigetta Barrett, last year’s Olympic silver medallist was also second at the World Championships in Moscow and was in a great mood at the press conference.
– In Moscow I got the song “I am coming home” in my head and I was humming it for two weeks. I don’t know who wrote it but it I love the song, said Brigetta who has sung in public on many occasions. One of the journalists asked when would be the next time she would sing. Her answer was an acapella version of “I am coming home” for the press conference!
Barrett has the year’s best mark of 2.04 and if she performs as well at the Stadium on Thursday evening as she did on stage at the press conference, it will be good enough !
The surprise winner at the World Championships, Svetlana Shkolina is also optimistic.
– I am in good shape and want to improve on my result from Moscow
Valerie’s aiming for a new diamond
Valerie Adams has won everything there is to win at the shot put and last week claimed her fourth consecutive World title. At DN Galan she’s focussing on 21 metres. In 2012 she was belatedly awarded Olympic Gold after Nadzeya Ostapchuk was disqualified for doping. This meant that she never had the chance to climb to the top of the podium and hear the New Zealand national anthem.
– That was why it was so wonderful to be able to do it in Moscow. I was the favourite and under some pressure so it was a special victory, Valerie said.
– I have worked hard on my technique this year with the goal of reaching 21 metres. I haven’t quite got there this summer but I have three competitions left, including DN Galan and hope to be more relaxed after the World Championships.
– It is so special to compete in an Olympic arena like Stockholm Stadium. I broke the stadium record last year and hope to be able to do it again this time! said Valerie who also hopes for another diamond. Anyone who leaves DN Galan as a stadium record holder receives a 1-carat diamond.
Jonas Hedman
Photos (Foto: Deca Text & Bild)
High jumpers from left Emma Green Tregaro, Anna Chicherova, Brigetta Barrett and Svetlana Shkolina.
Photo below: Valerie Adams, shot.
