Photo Renato Branđolica/BHM
The great showdown between Sandra Elkasević and Valarie Allman, Marco Arop is targeting the world 1000m record
This year’s Zagreb Meeting has assembled an impressive roster of 19 Olympic medallists from the recent Paris Games, a testament to the event’s prestige and caliber.
For the local audience, the spotlight will be on two standout athletes: Sandra Elkasević (CRO) and Valarie Allman (USA). They hold four Olympic gold medals from the past four Games – Sandra triumphing in London and Rio, and Valarie in Tokyo and Paris.
„This year has been exhausting, with the European Championships, the Olympic Games, and the season still not over because my favorite meeting in Zagreb is coming up. I continued working in Medulin. I feel great, and a few days ago I achieved my season’s best so I expect support in the big battle with Olympic champion Valarie Allman. I have 11 wins at the Hanžeković Memorial, and this is my 17th appearance since my first one in 2006. That is why this competition is very important to me. I am still chasing the Diamond League trophy, and I hope Zagreb will give me the strength for that,“ said Elkasević.
Valarie Allman has slowed down a bit after her victory in Paris, but it has not been a significant slowdown, and the world’s number one discus thrower always comes to Zagreb to win, this being her second time.
„The first time I came was in 2018, and I was so nervous. Coming to Zagreb represents our event in the best possible way. It has been a month since the Olympic Games, and my partner and I went to Italy to relax. I am in a great phase of my life, happy and excited. Paris? Every medal is special, but this one was the one I wanted the most. My first Olympic gold was in an empty stadium, and I wanted to achieve it in front of a real audience. It was a very special moment in my career, one that I want to last. Now, the Los Angeles Games are coming up,“ said Allman.
Valarie currently leads Sandra with a head-to-head record of 17 wins to 15 in favor of the American.
The pole vault will also have its stars, with America’s silver medallist from Paris, Sam Kendricks, who celebrated his birthday on Saturday, and Greece’s bronze medallist Emmanouil Karalis. In high spirits, Sam Kendricks said at the start of the meeting:
„In 2017, when I first came, I celebrated my birthday in Zagreb. Karalis beat me in Oslo, but now I Am in the best shape, and I hope he can keep up with me. Let’s break the record and then go for a nice dinner. It is always important to do a good job, no matter the competition.“
Greek Karalis responded: „I have plenty of energy for tomorrow. The weather will be good, and I cannot wait to show what I can do. It has been a great season, and now we are more relaxed, having fun and enjoying ourselves. I am trying to be the best version of myself. I went to Greece once after Paris, and it is hard to go out without being recognized. It is fun, something truly nice.“
Ryan Crouser (USA), a triple Olympic shot put champion, is one of the most remarkable athletes at the moment. The phenomenal American thrower is a symbol of Zagreb’s Fontainas and holds the record at the Ivan Ivančić Memorial.
„I have had three competitions in five days, and I am a bit tired. In rainy conditions, 22.66 meters is a good result. I am maintaining a good level, and that gives me hope for a strong throw. I feel great here; I have had good results, and it would be wonderful to end the season with my best result. Three Olympic golds mean I have had a long career, and I am looking forward to Los Angeles.“
Eathan Katzberg (CAN), the Olympic and world hammer throw champion, is one of the most unique athletic figures at the moment.
„This is my first competition after Paris. After the Olympics, I stayed in Europe and did not go home to Canada, but there will be a big celebration when I return. Primož Kozmus’ meeting record (81.77m) is an excellent result, and I aim to surpass it to finish the season on a high note,“ said Katzberg.
Marco Arop (CAN), the Olympic 800m silver medallist, will run the 1000 meters in Zagreb, aiming for the world record. A great highlight for the meeting.
„We can expect a fast race and a world record attempt. If I had gone home after Paris, I would not have come back here. I think a few things are crucial for the race—a pacemaker, staying in the race, having enough strength for the finish, good conditions, and strong support from the stands. It is not easy to find a pacemaker for such a race, but I believe we will succeed,“ concluded the Canadian.