Tokyo Olympic Games 2021 became extra special for Daniel Ståhl. Closest to his heart is of course the discus final which became a huge blue and yellow success. Ståhl took gold and Simon Pettersson, who has now ended his career, took silver.
That's why it became extra intense. It was an explosion of joy, incredibly powerful and I just get moved when I think about it, says Ståhl.
Without audience in the Olympic Games
The feeling of success is of course something he takes with him to the National Arena this time, when he will try to defend his impressive World Championship gold from Budapest 2023 when he secured the medal with his last throw.
At the same time, there are additional parts that Ståhl believes can lift the throwing.
In 2021, the summer games were pandemic-influenced and had to be decided without an audience.
Additionally, there were tough and clear restrictions on life outside the arena.
I remember the plastic gloves you had on and how you couldn't be close to each other when you ate food, but had to sit alone in a booth with transparent windows.
It was special and isolated.
Something completely different awaits Ståhl this time. The athletics World Championship has attracted many spectators – whether it's been qualifications or finals – and the audience has offered a lovely and framing atmosphere.
”No gold candidate”
The 33-year-old is also in Tokyo as a different thrower compared to last year, since he has made several longer throws this season.
But he doesn't see himself as a given medalist.
It's probably the second time in my career that I'm going in as an underdog. The discus has become enormously broad. There are 23 men who have done over the World Championship qualification limit and eleven over 70 meters. I'm no gold candidate but I'm ready.
How do you think it will go for you?
It's about throwing really far and then you'll see what placement it becomes. It's impossible to say how it will be. It's about competing with the competitors and giving it your all.
The discus qualification takes place on the night of Friday and the final is decided on Sunday.
Anders Wallin/TT
Facts: Daniel Ståhl
TT
Born: August 27, 1992.
Club: Spårvägens FK.
Event: Discus.
Main merits: Olympic Games gold 2021, World Championship gold 2019 and 2023, World Championship silver 2017, European Championship silver 2018.
Current: Enters the discus qualification on the night of Friday and aims to reach the final which is decided on Sunday.
