Athletics | Wilma Heltelä's top result surprised an expert

Finnish pole vaulter Wilma Heltelä delivered a stunning performance in Athens, soaring to a personal best of 4.81 meters and clinching victory in the competition. This remarkable achievement represents a significant leap from her previous season's best, an improvement of 21 centimeters, and propels her to third place in the European rankings for the current season.

“

To be honest, it was a surprise, given what has been seen this season.

Athletics expert Lauri Hollo admitted his surprise at Heltelä's dramatic improvement. He acknowledged that the specially constructed track in Athens, which differs slightly from standard stadium runways, might have contributed a small advantage, estimating it at around five centimeters. However, Hollo emphasized that such a leap indicates that substantial progress has been made in her training and technique.

“

It's a slightly bouncier surface. It can be a disadvantage for some, an advantage for others. It's hard to assess its significance, maybe about five centimeters of benefit.

With top European competitors Polina Knoroz unable to participate in the upcoming championships and Molly Caudery sidelined by injury, Heltelä now holds the strongest season's result among eligible athletes for the European Championships. Despite this, Hollo advises caution, suggesting it is too early to celebrate medal prospects based on a single competition.

“

Very good jumps were made.

"The outlook is certainly different than a week ago, when she jumped 4.45 in Paris. Clearly, the right things have been done," Hollo stated. He observed no single technical flaw that explained the massive jump, suggesting that in pole vaulting, when things start to click, they tend to continue. "It seems things just fell into place now. Pole vault is a sport where, when it starts to go, it goes. Now it has started."

“

You shouldn't load the coffee maker for medal coffees yet.