One of the year’s most anticipated announcements was announced last week at the Playitas training resort, on the Canary island of Fuerteventura, where 75 Olympic-caliber athletes huddled together to train and share experiences:
Daniel Ståhl was one of 34 names that were included in the first selection for the Summer Games in Paris 2024.
– It will be my third Olympics so I am incredibly proud, says the reigning Olympic discus champion.
Not at all as expected at the beginning of the year was that Ståhl, whose dominance in the world elite had waned – even ceased – the previous season, would suddenly throw better than ever under new coach Staffan Jönsson.
The collaboration with the former successful coach Vesteinn Hafsteinsson had ended and the relocation package had gone down to Malmö. There he regained his joy in the sport and found a harmony that was quickly reflected in the results.
Daniel Ståhl with new coach Staffan Jönsson. Photo: Jonas Lindkvist
Everything fell into place with the whole team – from the trainer, sports psychologist and naprapath to ball-throwing partner Fanny Roos.
– I wanted to develop technically, just enjoy the sport more and have fun. Not chasing records or titles as I have thought before. It has been a joy and has been clean all the way – and the Skåne people are as beautiful as ever and have been lively and happy. I haven’t changed much, it’s maybe only 5-10 percent in the training plan, says Daniel Ståhl.
During the season, there were a total of five throws over 70 meters – more than ever before.
– What we have created this year has been absolutely fantastic. We have had fun along the way and at the same time believed in what we have done. This was my best season in a very long time so I’m incredibly proud of it.
Purely your best season at all?
– Yes, but that’s the way it is. There were five competitions over 70 meters and 71.46 – championship record at the WC in Budapest – was absolutely outstanding.
“I was freezing in the head before the last throw,” says Daniel Ståhl about the WC final. The way he took gold might appease the Bragdguldjury. Photo: Jonas Lindkvist
Ståhl led the final in the Hungarian capital before the last round when world champion Kristjan Ceh, from Slovenia, passed the Swede with a throw of 70.02.
Despite calm wind conditions and exposed position, Ståhl responded by heaving the discus a full 71.46 meters on that warm August evening and took back his world champion title after fifth place in Eugene the previous year.
– I was cold in the head before the last throw and thought that I would make myself bigger than ever in the movements and take only the one with my legs. If I overstep, I do it with 72 meters and then people can sigh afterwards – but it turned out the other way around. A historic throw, so it was incredibly fun, says Ståhl.
The way the World Cup gold was won in Budapest contains much of what the jury is looking for when a winner of the Golden Achievement is to be chosen on December 5.
Among those competing for the award “the best Swedish sporting achievement of the year” are, among others, biathletes Hanna Öberg and Sebastian Samuelsson (four medals were at the WC), cross-country skiers Ebba Andersson and Jonna Sundling (two golds were at the WC), the men’s national team in table tennis (EC gold ), pole vaulter Armand Duplantis (WC gold and world record) and beach volleyball duo David Åhman and Jonatan Hellvig (EC gold and WC silver).
“One curiously asks how a canoeist, swimmer or wrestler trains.” Daniel Ståhl about hanging out on Fuerteventura during the week. Here with swimmers Michelle Coleman and Sophie Hansson – also selected for the Olympics. Photo: Jonas Lindkvist
Something that doesn’t teach be a disadvantage for Daniel Ståhl is the wording in the statutes which emphasizes that “the value of the feat shall be considered increased in a case where the decision was made in a difficult and difficult situation”.
– The jury can decide and vote on that, it’s just a big bonus for me. I would be very happy if I were to get it, but there are many in the jury who decide and anyone can take it, says Daniel Ståhl about his chances of winning the Golden Achievement.
How valuable has it been in Fuerteventura to exchange experiences with other athletes?
– Incredibly fun. You hang out, play some cards and yatzy and run team activities on the side. There is a bit of an exchange, you ask a bit curiously how a canoeist, swimmer or wrestler trains – or modern pentathlon, and so on. It’s awesome.
You who have won Olympic gold – what tips do you have for others on how to succeed?
– To believe in what you do every day. You have your “ups and downs”, but when it gets dark and winter in Sweden, you just have to go to the training sessions, regardless of whether you’re a little tough and tired. You get to do it anyway – and have some fun along the way. Not just be focused and focus on training hard all the time, but have fun on the side with friends, maybe go watch other sports and be with family and friends.
2023-11-27 05:10:00
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