In an interview with DN, the reigning world champion in the shot put, Chase Jackson, recently expressed his displeasure at how poorly exposed his discipline gets in relation to others in athletics.
– We struggle to get respect, said the American and added:
– Sometimes we get to compete before the gala has even started, before the TV broadcasts. Our competitions are not watched and we do not get much attention in the media.
Chase Jackson has won two straight World Championship gold in shot put. Photo: Matthias Schrader/AP
When the Indoor World Championships in Glasgow start on Friday, the shot put competition is the first to be decided. This during a time of day when many people work, on a weekday morning at 11.06 (12.06 Swedish time).
Axelina Johansson is one of two Swedish participants in the competition and recognizes the pattern. She believes the timing of the women’s bullet aligns with what Chase Jackson is up to.
– It’s a bit strange, says the 23-year-old.
– Now I know that the arena is sold out so there must be a lot of people, but normally there is no one there in the morning. So yes, it probably has a bit to do with it.
Do you agree that you shot putters don’t get the respect you deserve?
– Yes indeed. I really agree. It’s super boring. Especially now that the shot put is going so well for so many. The girls push really far, so it’s sad that the media doesn’t pay more attention to it.
Axelina Johansson is ready for her first indoor championship. Photo: Simon Hastegård/Bildbyrån
While Axelina Johansson says that it is a little too early for her taste to compete before lunchtime, Fanny Roos is a little more positive.
– That’s still the time I usually train, she says.
Fanny Roos, 29, has taken bronze and silver in the indoor EC and competed in many championships. She can’t remember being in a shot put final that went in the morning in a championship before, but at less flattering times in other competitions.
– Last year there were many times that we bumped into each other before everything else was up and running. I absolutely agree, she says about Chase Jackson’s outing.
Fanny Roos cannot remember competing in the final in the morning during a championship before. Photo: Christine Olsson/TT
The American has “only” supported the third longest in the world this year and will face competition above all from the Dutch Jessica Schilder on the first championship day of three in Glasgow.
Axelina Johansson and Fanny Roos have not pushed further than 18.44 and 18.37 meters respectively this year, which does not seem to be enough to interfere in any medal battle.
– The competition is tough. I think almost all the girls in the world elite are here. It will probably require a high 18 to get to the final and get six hits, says Axelina Johansson.
Read more:
Bianca Salming ahead of WC debut: “Never felt more beautiful”
She challenges the stereotypes of athletics: “We have a hard time getting respect”
2024-02-29 21:05:31
#Criticizes #scheduling #World #Cup #place
