When the sun in Birmingham stopped warming and darkness fell, Wictor Petersson launched a historic throw. He never stopped smiling after that. The bronze medal will be celebrated. Properly.
"I almost think so. I hope there's a beer here somewhere," says the 28-year-old.
His parents and girlfriend were in the stands to watch the European Championship final. Something that feels special to Petersson. Emotions are overflowing after the historic throw of 20.86 metres in the fourth round.
“Have any tears come”
There have been some tears. It's clear that you're touched. It was actually different to win a medal in front of them and with them in some way. The team is another thing anyway. Now you can go and hug them instead of just calling home and being happy.
The journey to the bronze medal required a nerve-wracking wait for the other competitors' results, but Petersson managed to stay calm.
I was so very much into it to focus on the right things. Otherwise you start looking and thinking: “So far I’m third”. Then you easily get scared that someone will push further, but I just tried to have tunnel vision and do my thing.
“How cool is that?”
National team captain Kajsa Bergqvist praises Petersson's calmness and how he has developed in the championship context.
Terribly nervous. But he was as cool as can be. It's fantastic. He's grown and is so confident in these situations now, she says.
For the 28-year-old shot putter, championship nerves have never been a problem, but rather a source of fuel. And when everything was at its peak, he delivered the most important performance of his career.
"This is what I think is the most fun, when there is a little more pressure on you. This is what we look forward to all year. What is the most fun is at the championships," says Petersson.
Now he's staying in Birmingham for a few days to enjoy the success, support his national team-mates and celebrate with his loved ones. And the celebrations start right away.
It's a bit surreal actually. You've been sitting here and been so focused, and then afterwards this medal comes. I hope it's going to be a long night.
