It’s an early start to the season for Reetta Hurske as she competes in the Diamond League premiere on Friday. The hurdler is one of three Finnish track and field athletes who received a starting place in Doha. Oliver Helander is also lining up and he wants to see long throws immediately.
Reetta Hurske has belonged to the domestic elite in short hurdles for several years, but it is only now that she is the brightest Finnish hurdle star. Hurske won EC gold indoors in March and is better than ever before.
– I can’t deny that it feels good. Of course, I would have liked the top results to have come earlier, but I am satisfied that I was able to continue working.
– Now at the age of 27, soon to be 28, I am at the peak of my career, Säger Hurske till Yle Urheilu.
The fact that Hurske is better than ever before also opens doors to the really big competitions. On Friday, the Diamond League season kicks off in Doha and Hurske gets to make his debut in this context.
– I have expectations and when you stand on the starting line you have to run fast. With my shape, there is no obstacle, she says.
In addition to the fact that it is a debut in the Diamond League, there is also another above factor for Hurske.
– I have never started the competition season at the beginning of May, she says.
Hurske won EC gold indoors a few months ago.
Bild: EPA-EFE / All Over Press
Reetta Hurske
Helander has the WC limit in sight
Hurske is not the only Finn to compete in the DL premiere. In Doha there is also pole vaulter Wilma Murto and javelin thrower Oliver Helander.
Helander begins the hunt for the WC limit of 85.20 and hopes for long arcs in the season opener.
– If I pass the World Cup limit in Doha, I will be satisfied. The faster I can complete it the better and I aim for a good result. The shape feels very good, he says in the association’s press release.
Helander will face the toughest possible opposition in the Diamond League. For example, the entire trio of medalists from last summer’s World Cup is lining up: Anderson Peters, Neeraj Chopra and Jakub Vadlejch. Reigning European champion Julian Weber is also registered.
After the initial competition, it may be a while before Helander competes again and the really long throws will appear.
– There will be a short competition break after Doha. Then I have time to build up top form before the season starts in earnest, he says.
Helander will try to throw longer than 85.20 in Doha.
Bild: Mikko Lieri / All Over Press
Oliver Helander, Kaleva Games, athletics
Hurske’s personal best will smoke this summer
For Reetta Hurske, it will also be a battle with strong names in the season premiere. Jasmin Camcho-Quinn has done 12.26 as the best, while Nia Ali started the season with 12.53. Hurske has the second worst personal best in the starting field.
– It is not a new situation. I know what is required when I stand on the starting line, she says.
Hurske tells us that she has had a successful training period behind her and her goals are high for this summer. The four-year-old personal best will smoke and she will be at her best in the WC.
– The level of values is really tough right now. We have the WC this summer and I want to do my best race there. Through a new record, I will get to tough competitions and enjoy the competitive moment, she says.
