31-year-old from Tobo outside Uppsala has seen the discus results decline in recent years and did not qualify for the Olympic Games in Paris last year. Pettersson means that the decision has grown.
In the beginning of June, he felt that the motivation began to dwindle and that he does not have much more to give.
I can look back on a career where I have achieved things I did not think I would achieve, says Simon Pettersson who finished second behind Daniel Ståhl (67.48) in the Finnkampen on the season's best 57.56 meters.
The Olympic silver in Tokyo 2021, when Daniel Ståhl took gold, along with his first 70-meter throw (70.32 and SM gold in Norrköping 2022) sees Pettersson as two highlights of his career.
Team SM?
There are incredibly many memories that I hold very warmly in my heart, he says after bursting into tears in front of the media.
I have been close many times today. You think back on everything that has been. I can think that many may have experienced some hate throughout their career and so on. The only thing I have felt is love. It warms everything very much.
He does not think he will put the discus, which he holds in his hand, on the shelf completely. It may become participation in future team SM with the club Upsala IF.
Exercise life is not so bad, I've heard. It's about trying to find something new to tinker with. We'll see what it becomes.
The message on the infield at Stockholm Stadium before the men's discus event on Sunday did not come so unexpectedly for those who are close to Pettersson.
Ståhl: "Enjoy now"
I have heard rumors. It's sad, but life goes on. I think he is pretty pleased with his career, says Daniel Ståhl who hugged his former training companion tightly after the competition.
I said that I am incredibly proud of him and "enjoy now”.
Sweden took revenge for the double loss in last year's Finnkampen in Helsinki and won both on the men's side (252–201) and women's side (242.5–211.5) during the 100th anniversary at Stockholm Stadium this year.
