None of the competitors come close to Daniel Ståhl's capabilities on paper. In fact, the Stockholmer already has a plan for how he will celebrate what looks like a certain victory at the Olympic Stadium in Helsinki on Saturday night.
We have taken the triple in discus for a couple of years and we will continue to do so. There will be a lap of honour, quick interviews and then straight to the hotel and a quick shower. And then straight to the airport, says Ståhl, who will compete again on Sunday in Bellinzona, Switzerland.
Finnkampen has always been a little extra special for Ståhl, whose mother is Finnish. The 34-year-old was the hottest topic at Friday's press conference and gave interviews freely in both Swedish and Finnish.
“Incredibly large”
His love for Finland is also reciprocated. One of the most recent visits was in December last year, when Ståhl was invited by Alexander Stubb to the annual Independence Ball at the Presidential Palace in Helsinki.
"It was incredibly big, maybe especially for my mother. She was completely moved when she heard that I had received a letter from the presidential palace," says Ståhl.
In the mid-90s, the national hockey captain (“Curre” Lindström) was also invited to the presidential palace, but otherwise, it has probably not happened to any other Swedish citizen in sports.
Daniel Ståhl made his debut in Finnkampen in 2012, at the age of 20. Since then, he has never missed the tradition-laden rivalry between the two countries in his heart.
“I know of no age limit”
After starting his Finnkamp career with two consecutive third-place finishes, Daniel Ståhl has won twelve times in a row. According to the organizers, ex-sprinter Johan Wissman holds the record for wins after winning a total of 15 races in Finnkampen.
Then I have to do four more to break that record, Ståhl thinks and continues:
Of course, if my body is healthy and I can continue to throw far every year, then I'll stick with it.
Yes, how are your thoughts on the future?
It's all-in for the Olympics in Los Angeles in 2028. Then we'll see if there's a World Cup in London in 2029 and maybe a European Championship in Helsinki in 2030. If I maintain a certain standard and level, then it's just a matter of going for it. I don't feel there's an age limit.
Sweden won twice in Stockholm last year when Finnkampen celebrated its 100th anniversary. Two years ago, Finland won twice in Helsinki.
