English
BAUHAUS-galan is approaching and Swedish crowd favorites Maja Åskag and Julia Henriksson are coming to Stockholm with strong form behind them.
For Maja Åskag, the outdoor season has got off to a dream start. The three-step star opened the season with 14.24 meters and has her sights set on this summer’s big goal – the European Championships in Birmingham. She is also looking forward to competing in front of her home crowd at Stockholm Olympic Stadium.
– Last year I showed that I can perform at championships by making it to two World Cup finals. I will take that with me into this season. The European Championships is the big goal and I want to be there and fight for the medals, says Åskag.
Despite the strong result in the season opener, she feels that even more hope is in her body.
– I know I have more. We have been building long-term for several years and I feel that I am getting closer and closer to the absolute top.
On Sunday, the long jump awaits at BAUHAUS-galan, an event where Åskag has often performed at his best when the focus has been on the triple jump.
For sprint star Julia Henriksson, the summer is also about continuing her development towards the European Championships. After a strong training period and a return to Sweden, she feels that her form is heading in the right direction.
– I have a very good feeling in my body. The training during the spring and the camps have worked very well, so I know that there are faster times in me,” says Henriksson.
On Sunday, one of the toughest starting fields of the summer awaits in the 100 meters. Henriksson is looking forward to competing with some of Europe’s and the world’s best sprinters.
– If you want to be at your best at the European Championships, you also need to be challenged by the best. That’s why competitions like this are so important.
Both Åskag and Henriksson emphasize the special feeling of competing at Stockholm Olympic Stadium in front of a Swedish audience.
– The Stockholm Olympic Stadium is one of my absolute favorite arenas. The crowd gets close and you really feel the support,” says Åskag.
With nearly full stands, another athletics party is expected when world stars and Swedish top names gather at Stockholm Olympic Stadium for this year’s BAUHAUS-galan.