Frantz Kruger will compete as long as he can.
Frantz Kruger threw second in the Sweden match. Jussi Eskola
Franz Kruger was the strongest Finnish man in the discus throw in the match against Sweden on Saturday.
Kruger threw 58.08 and was third in the race, even though he is 47 years old. Finland’s teammates Rami Kankaanpää and Antti Pränni are 26 years younger than him.
Swedish Daniel Ståhl uploaded on Friday to Iltalehti that the situation in discus throwing in Finland is a “big joke”. After the race, Kruger responded to the harsh statement of the Olympic champion.
– I have to remember that there was no one in Sweden for a long time. Situations vary. Development is now underway in Finland. Maybe the system should be different.
– Of course, the situation worries me. However, some young people are coming. Nothing happens overnight. Sweden doesn’t have very many men like Daniel and by Simon Pettersson double cloth.
Kruger took a small sprint onto the field after the race. The grab is known as Ståhl’s trademark, so the gesture was a nod in the Swede’s direction.
– We talked that next year we should have a 60-meter running race. The question is who would win, Kruger laughed.
Kruger took over the crowd after the race. Jussi Eskola
Kruger, who was born in South Africa and previously represented his home country, ended his career in 2010. Still, his passion for the sport did not disappear.
The Sydney Olympic bronze medalist returned to the field in 2016. Since his return, he has won five Finnish championships and one SM silver.
– My passion cannot be killed. I can do this, so why not compete? I also coach. I try to inspire young people as much as I can.
The career continues
Kruger, who holds the Finnish record, competed in the Sweden match for the last time last year. He was last at the Olympic Stadium as a retired top athlete.
Competing in front of the home crowd tasted good.
– I don’t want to call this a dream come true, but this is great. I believe that I am an example to many here.
The Olympic medalist has drastically reduced his training compared to his peak years.
– As a professional, I trained 11–12 times a week. Now I train maybe four times a week. The difference is big. However, I still have a good base. It cannot be destroyed.
Daniel Ståhl won the puck competition. Jussi Eskola
Sweden’s Ståhl and Pettersson said on Friday that they appreciate how Kruger is still able to compete. The Finn has thrown 59.14 meters at his best this season.
– They started their career when I finished. Now we race at the same time. I’m grateful for that.
There is still enough fire.
– I don’t know how long I will continue. I throw as long as I can.
Ståhl won the race with a score of 65.34. Pettersson pushed the puck to 63.76 meters and was second.
The points went to Sweden 13–9.