There will be no blue-yellow marathon runner at all on the women's side in Tokyo in September, announces the Swedish Athletics Association.
Sweden's top long-distance runner Carolina Wikström, who came 52nd at the Olympic Games in Paris last summer, has just become a mother, and Örgryte's Mengsteab did not make it into the international federation's top 100 ranking when the qualification period (May 4) expired.
Uppsala runner Wikström came 22nd on her Olympic debut in Tokyo 2021 and won the Lidingöloppet in September on a record time.
Suldan Hassan became on Saturday the first Swedish men's winner of the Göteborgsvarvet half-marathon in 21 years after a dramatic sprint duel with Sondre Nordstad. The two crossed the finish line almost simultaneously, but the Norwegian was later disqualified for stretching out his arm towards Hassan.
Now Suldan Hassan, Ullevi, is one of three Swedish men's runners who have been selected for the World Championship in Tokyo. Hassan improved his Swedish marathon record to 2.05.57 in the Japanese capital in March.
Also Ebba Tulu Chala, Hässelby, and Samuel Tsegay, Örgryte, have been selected by national team captain Kajsa Bergqvist.
The qualification period for all events except marathon and walking over 35 kilometers continues until August 24 at midnight.
The World Championship in Tokyo takes place from September 13 to 21.
