Kajsa Bergqvist at the DN Galan Press Conference (© Hasse Sjogren)
It’s no secret that a good share of the spectators at Tuesday’s IAAF Super Grand Prix DN Galan in Stockholm has bought tickets because of Kajsa Bergqvist.
Born and raised in Sollentuna, north of the capital city, the High Jump World champion could be the girl next door. And it is a mutual love.
Fantastic atmosphere
“DN Galan is my favourite competition. To jump in Stockholm’s Stadium is amazing. Last year I did my best competition here. It was a fantastic atmosphere.”
“Later on, when I will look back at my career, the memories I will cherish the most will be from DN Galan,” says Kajsa who has won four of her ten appearances at DN Galan in Stockholm’s Olympic Arena.
Kajsa stands up against Blanka Vlasic who has had an incredible summer. Three Croatian records have been followed up by nine attempts at the World record height 2.10m with at least a couple of them being really close. How would Kajsa react if Blanka broke the world record on Kajsa’s home turf?
“It would be a lot of mixed feelings. Of course I’ve wanted to break that World record for a long time. Still, it’s time someone should beat it, really. I don’t know if it had the 20th anniversary yet, but of course I hope that it will be me who breaks it.”
“I’ve always thought of her (Blanka) as a jumper with enormous potential. She has learned by the years to manage all the power and coordinate her jumping. Now she’s able to reach incredible heights.”
“I really enjoy seeing her jump with all that energy that she brings to the competitions.”
This season Kajsa had her up and downs, but she feels in a good shape now.
“I’m getting more comfortable with my jumping. It’s getting better and better. I can be a World Championships gold medal contender if everything works. Tomorrow it is essential that I’ll find my rhythm, enjoy the competition and bring a good memory with me to the last weeks of training before the World Championships.
Sanya promises diamond will be for her mother!
Last year’s IAAF World Athlete of the Year Sanya Richards started the season with five 50+-races. Unbeaten in the 400 metres outdoors since August 2005 Richards sensationally lost the American title to Dee Dee Trotter, and missed her berth to Osaka by placing only fourth in the Trials.
“The race at Nationals just came at the wrong time for me. I was under-raced and it affected me more than I thought it would. I’m completely over that now. The three ladies (Trotter, Natasha Hastings and Mary Wineberg) who are going to Osaka are very competitive. We’ve got a great team and I’m looking forward to be a part in the relay.”
Sanya got her revenge by finishing second in the 200m at the trials.
“I’m really focused on the 200m; I think that I can do really well. It’s gonna be a change for me, but it’s exciting.”
Sanya’s mission in Stockholm however, is to run both the 100 and 400 metres in no more than two and a half hours. Her last hundred meters race dates back to 2004 and her personal record 11.28 is from the year before.
“I’m doubling up. I just don’t think that my 100-PR reflects how much faster I’m now. So I hope to get a PR, I’ve got only one shot.”
”If you break the Stadium record you’ll get a one-carat diamond…”
“When I break the record!” corrects Sanya.
“What will you do with it?”
“I’ll give it to my mum.”
Lorenzo Nesi for the IAAF
