Eugene. Everything seemed to be over with 200 meters remaining.
Andreas Kramer stumbled and was pushed onto the field – but he made it to the finish line fast enough to move anyway.
– I just spun in my head. He says I was angry about the riot.
The 800m tends to be dramatic in tournaments. Men’s attempt today was no exception.
Shortly before the trials, the first news came that former favorite Max Borgen withdrew due to injury, followed by Canadian sprinter Brian McBride.
Then it’s time to Andreas Kramers the heat. The Swede took the lead and held it for the 200 metres. Then the Irishman attacked Mark English first from the outside, when he passed, it became crowded for Kramer who was first hooked up by a runner behind him and then pushed from the inside. When the dust settled, he was second after last and well off the top three.
– There’s just a skull spinning, I’m trying to do everything I can to catch up and I’m so angry when I enter the riot. When that happens, the acid comes in as a bang rather than straight, says Kramer, who still hits the finish line at 1.45.77.
“I have been sentenced before”
It was enough time – thanks to Kramer’s tough opener – to be among the top six and a semi-finalist. But despite this, Kramer didn’t really dare to rejoice at first. He was afraid that forcibly trampling on the interior would wash it away.
– I don’t know exactly how the jury rules there. I’ve had judgments against me before.
But instead, the jury washed American Jonah Koch who pushed him there and Kramer dared to breathe.
– If so, I am very happy! I’m so happy with how the body feels apart from all the drama of being 200 meters away. Now chasing after his first world final, says Kramer, I’m not tired at all, I made it to the semi-finals.
– It will be very difficult, 24 runners will be 8 but it will be very fun, he says.
