It was a blue-yellow breakthrough that made an impact.
Engla Nilsson got a reserve spot to the European Championship in Dutch Apeldoorn and once there, she exceeded all expectations.
1.89 in the qualifying round meant a new "personal record". A short-lived one. For in the final two days later, Nilsson cleared 1.92 in the first attempt.
Engla Nilsson has relived her sensational bronze jump many times since.
- Yes, of course. Continuously, maybe once a week at least. It gives me happiness when I watch it, says and laughs.
"Only positive"”
The European Championship success gives energy on several levels. At home in Kungälv, she gets stopped in the grocery store by people who congratulate or give her a pat on the back. She became a hotter name among sponsors and competition organizers. And at a press conference earlier in the week, ahead of this year's track and field competitions in Folksam Grand Prix, she was the obvious centerpiece.
- I've never been this exposed before. But for me, it's only been positive, I just think it's fun to be seen and noticed, says Nilsson.
The downside of the success is perhaps that Engla Nilsson, whose personal outdoor record is still "only" 1.86, will have to get used to living with a bit more pressure going forward.
- But I try not to put any pressure on myself, says she.
Wise words, thinks Kajsa Bergqvist, the former star jumper who has been Sweden's national team captain since 2021.
- It's about finding the balance, not being satisfied but still being a little kind to yourself, says Bergqvist.
- I put so incredibly much pressure on myself that it almost hindered me. The last years of my career... if I didn't jump two meters, I sat and apologized at the press conference afterwards. But I may have won. For Engla, it's about taking with her all the positive inspiration and trust in herself - but not putting pressure on herself to jump high every time.
Competes in Stockholm
Engla Nilsson starts the outdoor season in Polish Opole on Sunday. Then, a gala in Hengelo, the Netherlands, awaits, before it's time for the Bauhaus Gala at Stockholm Stadium on June 15.
I hope for heights around my indoor personal record and I know I have it in me. But you never know with the first competition, it can be that you're not quite used to your approach and get too fast or come too close to the bar. But I want to jump high, that's the plan.
