After the Verdict: "Extremely Tough"

In December, the athlete was convicted of minor drug offenses. Then Oskar Edlund had a tough road to the Paris Olympic Games. It has been extremely tough, he says after the attempts at 400 meters hurdles.

» Updated:

» Published:

After the Verdict: "Extremely Tough"
Photo: Jessica Gow/TT

Share this article

The 21-year-old was caught with cocaine in his blood during a night out in Stockholm.

In late July, he talked to Expressen about the verdict:

It was a party night when the season was over. I was offered to try cocaine, which I stupidly did, he says.

"Tough"

After the Olympic Games attempts at Stade de France, he told more about the time that has passed.

It has been extremely tough. I wanted to focus 100 percent on the Olympic Games, but it became tough when you read about yourself in the media, he says.

I've already explained what happened. I'm ashamed as hell for what I did, and I'll have to keep doing it with all the publications.

What reactions have you received?

Only support. And I'm extremely grateful for it, all the push and support I've received, I wouldn't have been able to do it without the backing of friends and family. That's what I'm grateful for.

Would you have talked about it earlier?

Absolutely, but it's easy to say in hindsight.

Oskar Edlund's 49.74 wasn't enough to advance on the 400 meters hurdles.

Instead, he'll have to run the qualifying round on Tuesday.

A new detail in Paris that gives some athletes an extra chance to advance.

I don't think it's a great idea. You saw on the 100 meters hurdles that a guy took advantage of it to get an extra day's rest. It's unfair, but then I'm happy to get a chance myself, he says.

"Other headlines"

But "jogging" to save energy and strength was never an option for Edlund.

No, I think it's unsportsmanlike.

Then it would have been other headlines. I'm tired of bad headlines and I'm trying to do as well as I can so they can write about that instead.

Even Carl Bengtström will have to aim for the qualifying round.

It's not my normal level, it wasn't that great, says the 24-year-old after 49.34.

It's just a matter of reloading and trying to run better.

Tags

Author

TTT
By TTEnglish edition by Sweden Herald, adapted for local and international readers

More news

Björn Borg Opens Up About Past Cocaine Addiction in New Book

Björn Borg Opens Up About Past Cocaine Addiction in New Book

Henriksson Places Fourth in 200m Heats at World Championship

Henriksson Places Fourth in 200m Heats at World Championship

Beijing Criticizes Police Directive Alongside Allsvenskan Clubs

Beijing Criticizes Police Directive Alongside Allsvenskan Clubs

Footballer Thomas Partey Denies Rape Allegations in London Court

Footballer Thomas Partey Denies Rape Allegations in London Court

Andreas Almgren Pursues World Championship Medal in 5000 Meters

Andreas Almgren Pursues World Championship Medal in 5000 Meters

Jakob Ingebrigtsen Set to Compete in 5,000 Meters at World Championship

Jakob Ingebrigtsen Set to Compete in 5,000 Meters at World Championship

HockeyAllsvenskan Playoff Format Changes for Upcoming Season

HockeyAllsvenskan Playoff Format Changes for Upcoming Season

UK Sprinter Reprimanded for Religious Headband at World Championship

UK Sprinter Reprimanded for Religious Headband at World Championship

Shooting Near Beach Volleyball Arena in Brazil Alarms Olympic Stars

Shooting Near Beach Volleyball Arena in Brazil Alarms Olympic Stars

Lisa Lilja Retires from Sprinting, Partner Thobias Montler Confirms

Lisa Lilja Retires from Sprinting, Partner Thobias Montler Confirms

Thomas Partey Booed During Villarreal vs Tottenham Match

Thomas Partey Booed During Villarreal vs Tottenham Match

Police Mask Ban Directive in Allsvenskan Sparks Anger and Concern

Police Mask Ban Directive in Allsvenskan Sparks Anger and Concern

Lucas Bergvall Shines in Champions League Debut for Tottenham

Lucas Bergvall Shines in Champions League Debut for Tottenham

Västervik Triumphs in Rain-Interrupted Speedway Final

Västervik Triumphs in Rain-Interrupted Speedway Final

Luleå Stages Dramatic Comeback to Win SM Final Replay Against Brynäs

Luleå Stages Dramatic Comeback to Win SM Final Replay Against Brynäs

Möregårdh Leads Eslöv to Victory in Table Tennis League Opener

Möregårdh Leads Eslöv to Victory in Table Tennis League Opener

Gyökeres Injured but Plays On as Arsenal Wins Champions League Opener

Gyökeres Injured but Plays On as Arsenal Wins Champions League Opener

Stockholm Football Clubs Urge Police to Revoke New Mask Ban

Stockholm Football Clubs Urge Police to Revoke New Mask Ban

Allsvenskan Clubs to Benefit from Expanded Fifa Billion Fund

Allsvenskan Clubs to Benefit from Expanded Fifa Billion Fund

Kerr Secures High Jump Gold in Thrilling World Championship Duel

Kerr Secures High Jump Gold in Thrilling World Championship Duel