Wilma Murto talks about her situation while preparing for the WC indoor competitions.
Wilma Murto is now in better shape than in the previous races of the season. Tomi Natri / AOP
Finnish pole vault star Wilma Murto has felt a big change in her body during the last week. The change came just in time before the WC indoor competitions in Toruń, where the SE woman will jump on Sunday.
Murto got the flu before the competition season, which has affected his ability to release and recover throughout the beginning of the year until March. Although the symptoms stopped already months ago, it took longer for the body to recover.
– Now it feels like there has been a clear step forward in the last week. The physics seems to be in better shape than in the previous competitions of the season, Murto opens.
– I’m really looking forward to how it feels to compete on Sunday, when the body is a little freer and in a better stroke.
Pole vaulting in the World Championship halls starts directly with the final. The increases are tough: The starting height is 435, from there you go to 455 and then to 470. Murro’s best result of the season so far is 460.
Wilma Murto is looking forward to the WC indoor competition. Tomi Natri / AOP
– I am very satisfied with the raises for myself. Sounds like a good race setup, Murto thinks.
Murro’s toughest competitors Katie Moon and Nina Kennedy do not compete in Toruń. The Finn sees that he is probably the toughest opponent Eliza McCartney.
– He jumped 481 in New Zealand, and the direct finals have worked quite well for him. That’s a pretty wild card, I wouldn’t be surprised if his score was a 49 start. Medals don’t come cheap, even if a few top athletes are missing, Murto believes.
In the fall, Murto set his goal to be able to jump at the 470 level during the World Championships. He has not set any investment goals.
– Now we are pretty close to what was thought in the fall. I believe that it is possible to exceed 470 on Sunday, and then we would be on time for what has been expected and desired, Murto explains.
– In a race like that, when it’s even and rapid increases, the rankings can turn in any direction.
New training pattern
Murto has prepared for the competition season together Tero Pitkämäki and his new coach Tommi Holttinen with. Holttinen, 28, is a two-time WC runner-up in the pole vault and has represented Finland in several prestigious competitions.
The choice was perhaps a bit surprising, as Murto could have chosen a more experienced, international coach.
– I’ve thought about all the possible options, at least in my head. At the moment, I’m really satisfied with what I’ve ended up with, says Murto.
He adds that in any case, he can also take advantage of the expertise of international coaches, even if they are not his personal coaches.
– I have pretty good and close contacts with international coaches. I can also take advantage of their knowledge, even though I train and live in Helsinki. I can send videos and ask foreign experts for tips. Fortunately, the sport culture is such that we like to give tips and be helpful.
Wilma Murto and coach Tommi Holttinen in the SM halls of Espoo. Tomi Natri / AOP
Going abroad would not have been an attractive option for Murro.
– It feels like everyday life is now balanced and developing, and there are just as many competent people and help around as I feel I need. At the moment, I don’t lack anything, so I see no reason why I would go looking for something, where on the other hand I would have to think again about many good and important basic things in life, Murto reflects.
– I am very satisfied with the pattern that is at the moment.
The pole vault final starts on Sunday at 18:55 Finnish time.
