She can crown a successful year with a historic medal in shot put

Axelina Johansson is experiencing a career-defining season and has the potential to make Swedish athletics history with a medal at the European Championships in Birmingham. The 26-year-old shot putter recently achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first Swedish woman to be named the top female collegiate athlete in the United States, an honor she received at a gala in New York.

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It is not easy to maintain form all summer.

Her successful year includes a bronze medal at the World Indoor Championships in Torun, Poland, in March. In May, she set a new Swedish record with a throw of 19.97 meters, followed by an emphatic victory at the collegiate championships in June. Johansson is considered a strong medal contender at the upcoming European Championships, where the shot put event is scheduled for the first day.

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It was super cool.

Despite her remarkable achievements, Johansson acknowledges the physical toll of maintaining peak performance throughout an extended season. "It's not easy to maintain form all summer," she stated, noting the challenges of travel and the need to peak at multiple points, including May, June, and now for the summer championships. "You have a little pain here and there. But yes, I'll do my best. You don't have the same drive in your body. It's hard to keep it up."

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You have a little pain here and there. But yes, I'll do my best. You don't have the same drive in your body. It's hard to keep it up.

Johansson's throws this season rank her third longest in Europe, with compatriot Fanny Roos also achieving a strong mark of 19.70 meters. A medal for either athlete in Birmingham would mark Sweden's first shot put medal at a major outdoor championship. "It would be cool to make history. Super cool," Johansson remarked about the possibility.

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It would be cool to make history. Super cool.