Toni Keränen was happy with the level of the javelin competition, even though he has to remain as an alternate for the European Championships.
Javelin thrower Toni Keränen was one and a half meters away from the EC place on Sunday. The Niittomies athlete from Liminga won the SC bronze, but did not get a ticket to the race machine.
– That was as fair a deal as can be. We had clear rules. Good like that.
In the men’s javelin final of the Kaleva Games, the game was clear. From the trio, Keränen, Toni Kuusela, Topias Laine the one who threw the longest goes to the European Championships in Munich, if the throw was more than 82 meters.
Keränen threw 82.52 in his first. Laine, the European youth champion, was 72.66 meters short in the competition.
In the second round, Kuusela put 84.01 meters on the board and grabbed the last European Championship place.
– There is a great feeling about the race. We gave what was expected from an EC place. This is much better than someone throwing 78 meters and making it to the Games. It’s great that Toni and I threw so that the place deserves, Keränen praises.
Keränen knew after his opening throw that Kuusela, who has raced 85.03 in his career, could pass. When that happened, Keränen took too many laps.
– After the first throw, there was too much charging when I had to try further. The technology went haywire. Had to throw the illegal ones.
Keränen and Kuusela train together. Coaching both Petteri Piironen.
For the points?
Toni Keränen finished second in the so-called European Championship qualifier. Mikko Lieri/AOP
Keränen was the second best of the trio, which means the substitute’s place stays at home. It’s a shame at the same time, because Eugene missed the World Championships.
Keränen injured his ankle in the warm-up in the USA. The final place was not secured with a result of 78.52.
– With this result (of the Kaleva Games), I could be in the European Championship. There would be much more to give than in the World Cup. Takes a bit of time.
The World Cup starts in Munich on August 15. Finland is represented in the javelin by the top three of the season: Kuusela, Lassi Etelätalo (84.62) and Oliver Helander (89,83).