Teemu Wirkkala throwing 87.23m in Joensuu (© Paula Noronen)
Joensuu, FinlandThe fourth meeting of Vattenfall Elite Games Series which took place in the small town of Joensuu, proved if proof was necessary why Finland is termed ‘the Javelin Country’, as Finnish throwers cemented their country’s place in the world top-10.
In other top results last night, there were two men over 8m in the men’s Long Jump, USA’s Gloria Asumnu ran 22.88sec for the women’s 200m (-0.5m/s), and her compatriot Brittney Reese, the world season leader in the Long Jump produced 6.62m (+0.5).
Wirkkala now third on world list
A cheering crowd of 5000 spectators gathered in Joensuu to support their favourites as the men’s Javelin Throw opened in good weather conditions. After couple of rounds of warming up Antti Ruuskanen (87.33m PB in 2008) pulled out his season’s best of 85.03m, currently making him the world’s 6th longest thrower of the season.
The crowd was still applauding Ruuskanen’s throw, when his countryman, 2008 Olympic Games fifth placer finalist Teemu Wirkkala responded with his personal best of 87.23m. Wirkkala’s throw makes him the third furthest thrower in the world this year and top Finn ahead of Pitkämäki.
“Ruuskanen made me perform at my best,” said Wirkkala. It is great to have so many world class throwers in Finland, since we can always build up a good competition even in a small Finnish town like Joensuu.”
Berlin selection headache
Finnish javelin throwers are now ranked in the third, fourth, fifth and sixth places in the current world season’s list, and thanks to the automatic entry for the reigning World champion Tero Pitkämäki, the quartet of throwers that this tiny country of 5 million will send to the 12th IAAF World Championships in Athletics, Berlin, Germany (15-23 Aug) will the strongest ever javelin squad to leave their shores.
Pitkämäki, Wirkkala and Olympic fourth placer Tero Järvenpää have already secured their tickets to Berlin through a tight national qualification system. The last available Finnish spot will be decided after the National Championships at the end of the month. Ruuskanen’s big throw makes the decision very complicated, as the recently crowned European U23 champion Ari Mannio has been consistently throwing between 83-86m this season.
“It’s great to be back on the world top level,” said Ruuskanen, whose last season was ruined because of foot injury after magnificent season opener of 87.33m.
A three-time reserve at the last European and World Champs and Olympic Games, Ruuskanen stated that this year he won’t be the one staying home and watching the championships on TV.
“This where the battle really starts. I have aimed my best shape for Berlin and this shows I’m on the right track. I am ready to throw even further now when my technique is improving week by week.”
Two men over 8m in Long Jump
In men’s Long Jump, World University Games champion South Korean Kim Deok-Hyung, Finland’s Tommi Evilä, 2005 World bronze medallist, and 1996 Olympic silver medallist James Beckford of Jamaica had a tight battle for victory in superb conditions with +23 C and moderate tailwind.
Kim took the lead in the early rounds, but Evilä and Beckford got closer round by round. Evilä finally caught Kim with his 8.00m mark on the last round. However, Kim came once again from behind to perform a great final round jump of 8.17.
The Korean thanked the crowd with big smile on his face, seemingly very satisfied with his result, which misses his season’s and personal best just by 3 cm. Evilä was also in a good spirit after jumping 8m or more for the third time this season.
“The conditions, crowd and competition were just great today,” said Evilä. “For some reason it took a long time for me to warm up, but since I’ve been jumping consistently over 8m in my last competitions, I am looking very confidently towards Berlin.”
Karjalainen in consistent form
In men’s Hammer Throw, European silver medallist Olli-Pekka Karjalainen continued his series of good throws and took the victory with 77.26m. His third round attempt flew over 79m but he was unfortunate to be red flagged thanks to a couple of millimetres foot foul.
“I have a feeling that the big throw is coming,” said Karjalainen. “It will take couple of more competitions, but I’m hopeful to have it before Berlin. This season the World level in hammer looks interesting. Anything can happen in the World Championships and I’m looking forward to be there fighting for the places on the podium.”
Keskisalo speeds up
Reigning European 3000m Steeplechase champion Jukka Keskisalo ran a 3000m flat race in front of his home crowd. The celebrated local hero improved his PB by 4 seconds taking victory with 7:49.05. After couple of unfortunate seasons of injury and loss of shape Keskisalo, who was third in Paris last Friday, is enjoying being back to his best.
“I have to be realistic since I’ve missed two of the previous major championships because of injuries, but now I’m feeling better than ever and look forward to have the best season of my career,” said Keskisalo after the race.
The fast pace in the first couple of laps promised a 7:45 finish, but the well known kick by Keskisalo on the final back straight was not as sharp as usual. Still, Keskisalo was able to run last 200m in under 30 seconds. He beat Kenyan Remmy Limo who was second in 7:50.78.
“I’m happy that good progress in training pays off in competitions like today. It was a pleasure to run well in my hometown,” said Keskisalo who will go on to compete in Monaco on next Tuesday (28).
Asumnu in the fast lane
Gloria Asumnu of the USA was in a fast mood once again, timing 22.88sec in women’s 200m into a –0,5 m/s headwind. The American has been competing in all the four Vattenfall Elite Games competitions this season and is one of the athletes likely to win the jackpot of 30,000 euros, paid for the best athlete of overall series.
“I came to compete in Finland almost by accident, but these have been tough races and I have really enjoyed my time here. It seems that my shape is getting better and I look forward to the Grand Prix competitions in Europe at the later part of the season,” Asumnu commented.
Brittney Reese, who leads the world list with 7.06m, so far the only 7m plus jump of 2009, leapt 6.62m (+0.5) to hold off Jovanee Jarrett of Jamaica, who had a best of 6.53 (+0.9).
In the men’s sprints, all run into head winds, Lerone Clarke of Jamaica took the dash in 10.25sec, USA’s Kelly Willie was the best at the 200m (20.70 sec), and compatriot Joel Brown was first in the 110m Hurdles, 13.60sec.
The Vattenfall Elite Series move to the final leg in Lapinlahti on Saturday 25 July. In addition to Asumnu, pole vaulter Minna Nikkanen and hammer thrower Krizstian Pars are the ones who’ll have the best chance to get the big money after the total of 5 competitions.
Mika Noronen for the IAAF
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