Legendary Coach Returns, Hails Ståhl: 'No Ordinary Person'

Vésteinn Hafsteinsson, one of the world's most respected throwing coaches, has returned to Växjö after a period in Iceland and is already offering his insights into the current state of Swedish athletics. Having coached discus thrower Daniel Ståhl for eleven years until 2022, Hafsteinsson is confident in Ståhl's ability to secure his first European Championship title in Birmingham.

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On a good day – preferably with bad conditions like unfavorable wind and rain – no one can beat him.

"On a good day – preferably with bad conditions like unfavorable wind and rain – no one can beat him," Hafsteinsson stated. He further predicts that Ståhl, who will be 36 by the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, remains a strong contender for medals. "Few people win medals at that age in discus. But Daniel is no ordinary person," he added, highlighting Ståhl's exceptional longevity and talent.

Hafsteinsson recalled a previous interview with Radiosporten before the 2024 Paris Olympics, where he had expressed concerns about Ståhl's technique and speed, leading to significant backlash. "I just said it as it was. And I got a lot of shit for it," he admitted. He maintains that his comments were factual, not malicious, and were aimed at Ståhl's performance that year, which saw an average throw below 66 meters.

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Few people win medals at that age in discus. But Daniel is no ordinary person.

Despite the past controversy, Hafsteinsson emphasized his positive relationship with Ståhl and his current coach, Staffan Jönsson. He expressed admiration for their recent progress, noting that Ståhl has rediscovered a joy in training differently, focusing on less volume to preserve his body. "They found something, a joy in perhaps training differently, a little less and saving the body a bit. He maintains the speed in the throw, he throws technically well enough to throw far. But first and foremost, he competes damn well when it matters," Hafsteinsson observed.

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I just said it as it was. And I got a lot of shit for it.

Hafsteinsson also maintains a good relationship with Ståhl's partner, shot putter Fanny Roos, whom he also coached. Roos is currently ranked fourth in Europe this season, while Axelina Johansson holds the Swedish record. Hafsteinsson's return and continued engagement with Swedish athletes signal a renewed focus on the throwing disciplines.

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They found something, a joy in perhaps training differently, a little less and saving the body a bit. He maintains the speed in the throw, he throws technically well enough to throw far. But first and foremost, he competes damn well when it matters.