Athletics | Nathalie Blomqvist made a heavy mistake at the Kaleva Games: "Angry with myself"

Finnish runner Nathalie Blomqvist made a significant error at the Kaleva Games on Friday, July 24, by failing to confirm her participation in the 1500m race by the deadline. The 25-year-old athlete was subsequently barred from competing.

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The Kaleva Games did not go as I had imagined.

Blomqvist described the incident with a laugh, acknowledging that the Kaleva Games did not go as planned. She admitted to missing the confirmation deadline by just four minutes and understood the organizer's strict adherence to the rules. "It was entirely my own mistake. I was angry with myself," Blomqvist stated, adding that it felt "stupid" to make such a mistake at this stage of her career, though she conceded that everyone makes mistakes.

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It was entirely my own mistake. I was angry with myself.

Despite the disappointment, Blomqvist was prepared to race, even under protest, and was heading to the call room with her spikes on. However, she was not permitted to run. The situation took another turn when Blomqvist woke up ill the next morning, forcing her to withdraw from the 5000m race on the final day of the championships. She had traveled from St. Moritz, Switzerland, specifically for the Kaleva Games and was eager to gauge her current form.

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At this stage of my career, it feels stupid to make such a mistake, but perhaps everyone fails sometimes.

Blomqvist indicated that her performance at the upcoming European Championships in Birmingham would not be at the same peak level as two years prior in Rome, where she finished fifth in the 5000m with a personal best. The flu is not the primary reason for her tempered expectations; her entire previous season was hampered by leg injuries. While she has been training healthily this season with a strong group, her fitness has not yet returned to her previous top level. She explained that rebuilding her fitness from scratch after the injury season has been a lengthy process, and it is only halfway complete.

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I had my spikes ready and was going to the call room. I was ready to run, even if I was disqualified.