Vanessa Kamga: "Then it can be as good as it gets"

Vanessa Kamga, a seasoned competitor in elite discus throwing, approaches the European Championships in Birmingham with heightened expectations. Having secured fifth place at the Olympics and fourth at the World Championships, Kamga is now identified as a significant medal hopeful.

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I try to take in the whole experience.

Despite the increased attention, the 27-year-old athlete claims not to feel the pressure. She states she avoids media coverage and focuses on her inner circle of friends and family, maintaining a normal routine leading up to the competition. Kamga has a history of exceeding her rankings in major events, entering the Olympics as the 28th seed and finishing fifth, and the World Championships as eighth seed and finishing fourth.

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I am very pleased with several training years that I have behind me. I will continue to do what I do best when I stand there on the day. Then it can be as good as it gets.

Kamga's season's best throw of 65.30 meters places her fifth in the start list for the European Championships, just over a meter shy of her Swedish record. She thrives on the clear goals that championships provide, viewing them as a culmination of her hard work and a significant part of the overall experience.

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No, actually not. I don't read or engage with that. I'm mostly just with my close friends and family before the competition, and we only talk about things we normally talk about all year.

To manage nerves and expectations, Kamga immerses herself in her "bubble" with her close circle, focusing on being present in the moment. She also values the experience of being part of a strong Swedish team, including her younger sister, hammer thrower Patricia Kamga, who is competing alongside her for the first time. Kamga aims to absorb the entire event, not just the competition itself, and is currently in a "super good place" mentally and physically.

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You compete on the day, regardless of what result you come in with. It has to be done there and then. I have had some really good competitions. At the Olympics, I came in like 28th and became fifth, and then at the World Championships, I think I was eighth and became fourth.