News13 Mar 2010


Doha 2010 - Olsson on return: 'That passion is still burning in me'

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Christian Olsson of Sweden competes in the men's triple jump qualification in Doha (© Getty Images)

Was there a more heartwarming sight on day one of the IAAF World Indoor Championships than Swedish Triple Jump ace Christian Olsson automatically qualifying for Sunday’s final with his first round leap of 17.07m?

The former Olympic and two-time World outdoor and indoor champion has, of course, achieved it all in the sport. It is just that for the past three seasons he has been ravaged by a succession of crippling injuries. Hamstring, knee and ankle issues had threatened to cut short the career of the popular Swede. So much so, that after his hopes of defending his Olympic crown in Beijing was wrecked by injury he was ‘the flip of a coin’ away from quitting the sport.

“I would say the lowest point was after (the fifth) hamstring rupture and I spent about 12 days in Monaco,” said Olsson. “I didn't do anything other than hang about the swimming pool and have a few beers. I had made up my mind to just shut out the (Olympic) Games. I didn't want to look at it or even read about it. Then I got a call from the Swedish Olympic committee and all of sudden I was on a plane to the Olympic Games (to be flag bearer). I had a room in the village, I was enjoying myself. I then went back home before the athletics started, but I didn’t feel as hostile against athletics anymore.”

With a more positive outlook on the sport he also found a medical saviour. He sought out the help of the esteemed sports injury guru Hans-Wilhelm Muller-Wohlfahrt and the German set about fixing the Swede’s fragile hamstring. Gradually the injury improved. He was not in shape to compete at the IAAF World Championships, but a 17.24m jump on his return at a low-key meet in Sweden offered real encouragement that he could again compete at the highest level.

His indoor form this season has also offered hope. He has consistently jumped beyond 17 metres and his body has stood up to the rigours of competition, but Doha is his first major championship since he retained his European title in his native Gothenburg four years ago.

So what was it like to be back in the big time?

“It’s really good to be back competing (at a major championship), it means a lot to me,” he said. “It is always nerve-wracking, although at a major championship it’s always a special feeling. It is always in a different place with a difference kind of atmosphere. I’m just happy and appreciate the fact that I’m fighting my way (back) to the top.”

Olsson says in the wake of his cruel injury jinx he now adopts a more relaxed approach to the sport and is less tense during a competition. He is prepared to chat more with his rivals and soak up the atmosphere after so many years away from the big time.

However, the 29-year-old says don’t mistake his new attitude for a less competitive edge.

“I do have a more relaxed approach, but I still have the passion of trying to win,” he explains. “I was a sore loser when I lost in Lievin so I think that (the passion to win) is still burning for me.”

As for qualification in Doha, Olsson kept his cool during a testing session. With 19 jumpers pitched in one group and high jumpers regularly interrupting the competition because their run up straddled the triple jump runway it sometimes took 30 minutes between rounds.

So the Swede was delighted to land 0.07 beyond the automatic qualifier with his first attempt.

“It was nice to take just one jump,” he says. “I was a little bit worried about my Achilles, but it was good not to have to take three jumps. I don’t feel I strained it (the Achilles) too much. Qualifications are hard because there are no winners just losers.”

And the final?

“The fact we all have six jumps is a feeling of safety in itself,” he adds. “You don’t have to worry about fouling in the first round. The final is going to be different and everyone is going to be really psyched up. I’ll just try to jump as far as I can - simple as that.”

And jumping a long way is something Olsson has done very well for a very long time.

Steve Landells for the IAAF

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