Samuel Pihlström continues to collect Swedish records. At the GP competition in Karlstad, he improved Andreas Kramer's two-year-old record on 1,000 meters by 0.41 seconds when he crossed the finish line at a time of 2.16,55.
I opened a little too fast and had to struggle a bit at the end, but I'm in very good physical shape and had pretty good control, he says.
The 24-year-old Hällelöparen was already the fastest in Sweden of all time on 1,500 meters and an English mile (1609 meters) – with 3.30,87 and 3.49,70 in June.
He highlights his former sport, orienteering, as a major reason for his successes.
I have orienteering to thank for a lot. The strength in my lower legs, a very good basic physical condition, that I'm as injury-free as I am. I think it's good to train variedly over a long period, he says.
Europe on the march
Not so long ago, Africa dominated greatly on Samuel Pihlström's main distance, 1,500 meters. Runners born in Africa won all World Championship gold medals on the distance between 1987 and 2019, 16 out of 16.
But in recent years, something has happened in the world top in what is called the blue ribbon of running. The Europeans have taken light and winning steps forward. The Norwegian Jakob Ingebrigtsen has led the way but had to settle for two World Championship silver medals behind the Britons Jake Wightman (Eugene 2022) and Josh Kerr (Budapest 2023), two championships completely without African representation on the podium.
At the World Championship in Tokyo in September, we can tie hopes for a top placement for Pihlström.
It's clear that it's possible to break into the world elite, to fight in the absolute world top.
He has found inspiration in the nearby area.
I've of course kept an eye on (Jakob) Ingebrigtsen. Everyone has done that. He has shown that it's possible. But I'm also inspired a lot by (Andreas) Almgren who has pushed boundaries.
Swedish success
Pihlström "snatched" the record on 1,500 meters from Andreas Almgren, but Almgren set a European record on 5,000 meters at Stockholm Stadium earlier in the summer.
Swedish track and field athletics on the men's side is really doing well.
When it comes to the World Championship in Tokyo in September, it's clichés that apply:
- I'll take one competition at a time and get as far as possible, says Samuel Pihlström.
