Mar 20 • 19:50 UTC 🇸🇪 Sweden Dagens Nyheter

Swedish record and World Championship bronze to Axelina Johansson – despite illness

Axelina Johansson achieved a new Swedish record and won a bronze medal at the indoor World Athletics Championships in Torun despite battling illness on the day of the competition.

Axelina Johansson, a 25-year-old Swedish shot putter, celebrated a remarkable victory at the indoor World Championships in Poland, securing a bronze medal and setting a new Swedish record. Despite starting the day feeling unwell with a sore throat and cold symptoms, Johansson delivered an impressive performance which broke a nearly century-long medal drought for Sweden in this event. Her determination and skill shone through as she expressed her joy in making history with her achievement.

Johansson had recently set a personal best and new Swedish record of 19.72 meters in December 2022, but her preparation for the indoor championships faced challenges due to injuries sustained during the holiday season. She acknowledged that the build-up to the competition had not gone smoothly, leading to doubts about her performance potential. However, her resilience and ability to perform under pressure were highlighted during this significant event.

Upon meeting with Swedish media at Torun Arena, Johansson radiated happiness as she reflected on her achievement, emphasizing how the day had felt particularly tough due to her health issues. Nevertheless, her accomplishment stands as a testament to her talent and hard work, inspiring others in the sport and bringing pride to Swedish athletics amid a challenging season.

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