Wild drama behind the scenes of the Sweden match: two rejections

Finland Santtu Heikkinen was disqualified in the men’s 800m. He wedged Sweden by Samuel Pihlström forward about 200 meters before the finish line, and the judges’ council deemed the situation worthy of disqualification.

Pihlström, who won silver in the 1,500 meters at the European Championships in Birmingham, lost his rhythm in the situation and was no longer able to respond to the second runner Joonas Rinne to the end. He ran to victory Andreas Kramer.

Pihlström said after the race that the situation was partly due to the Swedes’ failed speed distribution.

“I think we ran a little too slowly with Andreas, so Joonas and Santtu were able to surprise us. It got a bit messy, but I’m happy that I stayed on my feet.”

“I lost a few meters there and couldn’t catch Joona anymore. I’m a little disappointed, but that’s how Swedish matches are.”

Second the rejection concerned the Swedish women’s 4 x 400 meter relay team. The team’s baton fell on the track in the second change, after which it was picked up by the wrong runner.

The exchange hadn’t been completed yet, so the driver should have picked up the runners of the second leg Jamilia Bernhardsson. However, it was lifted by the runner of the third leg Filippa Engström.

After rejections, the Finnish women lead the match with points 143–126. The Swedish men lead by 122–104.

The Sweden match continues on Sunday at 1 p.m.