– I’m not going to lie – it’s a bit sad that you haven’t won a medal since then, Kramer told DN before the championship, referring to that summer day in Munich six years ago when he won silver in the EC.
But now he doesn’t have to sulk anymore.
With a giant blue-yellow flag over his shoulders, Andreas Kramer can state that he has once again managed to break into the top three at an international championship – and this time at a WC.
The gold went to Bryce Hoppel, USA, who finished just 35 hundredths ahead of Kramer, whose finishing time was the best of the season so far: 1.45.27.
– It is very nice that the body responds in a final, he says.
That he would even getting here was far from a given. Kramer came into the 2024 track and field year at an angle after suffering a back tear before Christmas.
– It’s extra nice that this is coming now during such a big year (with the EC and Olympics later this summer) and now that I didn’t really take this indoor season too seriously, says Kramer.
– It doesn’t feel like I’ve done an indoor season, but still I’m standing here as a WC medalist. It feels weird.
“I’m very happy with how I’m running pace wise,” says Andreas Kramer. Photo: Simon Hastegård/Bildbyrån
Since 2018, there have been several championship finals in the 800 meters – but most of the time it has been a pole for the Swede.
In Glasgow, however, Kramer made sure to have the margins on his side and not fall into the classic traps of close battles that 800 meters can offer.
– It felt good throughout the race. I knew I couldn’t afford to be “boxed” if it was going to be a medal so I tried to avoid it as much as possible. I’m very happy with how I run to the beat and take positions on the chances that are given.
The 26-year-old lay good for the whole race, came out strong in the final stretch and had a medal in an iron grip – but wasn’t satisfied with that.
Just before the finish line, Kramer also passed Belgian Eliott Crestan and made sure that a bronze became a silver – a medal worth 20,000 dollars (corresponding to a little over 206,000 kroner).
– Silver is nicer than bronze and shines a little nicer, so I’m very happy, he says with a smile.
The medal was the first that a Swede won in the middle distance in a WC.
– It’s nice that I’m the one who takes it.
Andreas Kramer and Armand Duplantis embrace each other after securing Sweden’s only two medals in the indoor WC. Photo: Christine Olsson/TT
On the lap of honor got Kramer a big hug from Armand Duplantis who at the same time had secured his WC gold and was preparing for his last pole vault of 6.05.
– Super lovely to cheer him on, and for him to cheer me on. We strengthen each other as a team, says Kramer and continues:
– When I ran around there, we had time to say a few words to each other. He was still in his competition. I was happy and relieved and he congratulated me and I cheered him on.
Afterwards, a quiet celebration awaits with coach Per Skoog and the rest of the team, Kramer reveals.
– I’ll call the family too. They are usually always there, but now, unfortunately, they were not here the right time. They were probably sitting at home screaming on the sofa.
Read more:
Duplantis takes World Cup gold after drama – just one tear away from bronze
2024-03-04 00:24:08
#silver #Andreas #Kramer #meters
