Almgren confident of European Championship gold
Translated from Swedish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Swedish runner Andreas Almgren is confident he will compete for gold at the European Athletics Championships in Birmingham.
- Almgren has had a flawless training season, with no injuries or setbacks, leading to strong performances.
- He embraces the attention and status as a leading star, enjoying the opportunity to inspire others.
Swedish track and field star Andreas Almgren enters the European Athletics Championships in Birmingham with sky-high confidence, declaring his sole aim is to compete for the gold medal. Following a preparation period described as "flawless," Almgren feels fully ready to challenge for the top spot.
My goal is to run for gold.
Almgren's self-assurance is well-founded, stemming from a spring and summer where his training has proceeded exactly as planned. Unlike many competitors who have battled injuries, the Swedish athlete has steadily pushed his limits without any physical complaints. "All the training I have done this summer has gone exactly as I wanted. No aches, no colds, no unexpected sluggish feelings. I have been able to complete all the sessions I wanted and achieved very good times, so I feel ready. It feels damn good," Almgren stated.
All the training I have done this summer has gone exactly as I wanted. No aches, no colds, no unexpected sluggish feelings. I have been able to complete all the sessions I wanted and achieved very good times, so I feel ready. It feels damn good.
His recent successes have solidified his position as one of Sweden's most prominent athletes. Once needing to actively seek invitations to major events, Almgren is now in high demand, with organizers reaching out to him. He appears comfortable with this increased attention and status, viewing it as a positive aspect of his career. "I like it, absolutely! To get attention for something you are good at and like... I like running and I like talking about running. How can that be bad?" he remarked.
I am one of those who should be up there. Of course, I am not the only one in the race going for it, there are many strong names. But I will run to take the gold. There is no doubt about that.
Almgren acknowledges that he is considered a strong medal contender, alongside pole vaulter Armand Duplantis. He readily accepts this label, stating, "I am one of those who should be up there. Of course, I am not the only one in the race going for it, there are many strong names. But I will run to take the gold. There is no doubt about that." He also finds joy in inspiring others, noting, "Sometimes people approach me and want to take a picture. I really like that."
I like it, absolutely! To get attention for something you are good at and like... I like running and I like talking about running. How can that be bad?
Originally published by Svenska Dagbladet in Swedish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.