Aikaterini Stefanidi knew that Murto was capable of feats.
Aikaterini Stefanidi took European Championship silver. EPA/AOP
– I am not surprised at all. I have seen Wilma, the Olympic champion Aikaterini Stefanidi praised Wilma Murtoa after Wednesday’s pole vault final.
The Greek athlete and Murto competed for the European championship as the Munich night darkened. Silver’s fate was decided when Stefanidi couldn’t get over 485.
The Finn’s EC gold was secured at the same moment. Nevertheless, Murto went to try and crossed the bar. Stefanidi followed the company with a smile next to him.
– I knew that these things were coming. I didn’t know that now or in the next competition. I’m happy for him.
Stefanidi knew in advance that Murto and Slovenian Tina Šutej are tough opponents in the EC final. Šutej took bronze.
The Greek identifies with Murto. Both won medals in the Juniors, but success at the adult level had to wait.
– I think we have had quite similar development. We were good as juniors, but we got stuck a bit. It’s difficult to mentally get over that stage. All year it has seemed that Wilma will get the job done.
Stefanidi is an Olympic champion, world champion and European Championship gold medalist. Although the European Championship gold in Munich slipped out of control, he is satisfied with his final.
Stefanidi jumped his best result of the season 475.
– I can’t be disappointed. In value competitions, one can only hope for the best. Me, Wilma and Tina managed it.
“I wouldn’t have believed it”
20220817 GERMANY, MUNICH EURO COMPETITIONS: ELINA LAMPELA PHOTO PASI LIESIMAA/IL PASI LEISMA
Finland Elina Lampela has closely followed Murro’s EC project. 485 was a surprise even to him.
– I wouldn’t have thought that 485 would go. They were really fair crossings. In exercise, Wilma said that it goes well.
Lampela competed in the first prize competition final of his career. He was 11th with a score of 440, while the season’s best score is 450.
– There was a search for which pole to jump with and from which distance. It could have been a record. I am satisfied when I performed up to my level.
According to Lampela, the competition gave credit that there are opportunities to be at the top of Europe.
– There is still a long way to go, but I believe that getting close to the top is possible. I want to experience this again.