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≡ SAID IN STOCKHOLM ≡
“I feel great.”
That’s from 17-year-old American star Cooper Lutkenhaus, who won the Stockholm Diamond League men’s 800 m in a fast 1:42.70, beating Canada’s 2023 World Champion Marco Arop. The teen said afterwards:
“It was my first 800 m race of the season, so to come away with the victory with athletes like that in the race I am really happy. The race went exactly to plan, I put myself in a good position with 200 m to go, having slowly moved up in the field.
“I focused on myself throughout the race and did not worry too much about anyone else. Time wise, I am pleased but mostly I just wanted the win today and now I need to recover quickly for Oslo on Wednesday.”
Arop was impressed, saying, “It was my first race against Cooper; I was excited about it, and he showed how strong he is today. He is going to be a special talent.”
Kenny Bednarek won his second straight Diamond League 200 in 19.87, but the run was not without some drama:
“I came for the win and took the win, so I am happy with that but maybe some parts of the race I can definitely work on. The false start was a bit disconcerting, but I can deal with this and we prepare for these things, so it is fine.
“I have plenty to work on now as I go back to the U.S. for a month now before more Diamond Leagues and the Ultimate Champs. Overall, a good day at the office, but plenty more to do.”
Paris Olympic 1,500 m bronze winner Yared Nuguse was similar happy with his 3:30.11 in the final meters:
“I wanted first place today and I wanted to run fast but the wind unfortunately was too bad on the back straight. I waited and bided my time, and trusted I had another gear in the final meters.
“After running well in Rabat, it’s great to put in another good performance, it shows I’ve recovered well. I’m enjoying it this so-called free year with no major champs, as it’s exciting to really go for the faster times now.
“Oslo is next and I’m looking forward to running the mile. 2026 is all about me getting my reputation back and showing everyone and proving to myself that I’m still a threat.”
Not everyone was happy. American record holder Chase Jackson was second in the women’s shot at 19.91 m (65-4) and explained:
“I’m pretty upset and really disappointed to be honest, I’ve been throwing much further in training all year really but it’s just not clicking right for me at the moment for one reason or another. The body isn’t responding well at all to the different time zones, it’s killing me right now.
“I threw a season’s best in Turku [FIN] the other day [20.66 m/67-9 1/2] and now, I’ll re-focus on Oslo next week. I really hope I can hit it right over there, I need to.”
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For the Stockholm fans, the meet had a major disappointment with hometown world-record vaulter Mondo Duplantis losing for the first time after 40 wins in a row over three years. But he was philosophical:
“I felt a bit unfocused today and I really did not want to lose here in front of my family and fans. I have not lost in what, three years? But hats off to Kurtis today who beat me fair and square, and I have no excuses.
“I am not angry and I will continue enjoying my time here in Stockholm with my family. I am also getting married soon, so unlucky in sports, lucky in love, if that’s a saying?”
Duplantis legally wed Desire Inglander on 7 March but the formal ceremonies will be in Cannes (FRA). Australia’s Kurtis Marschall cleared 5.90 m (19-4 1/4) to 5.80 m (19-0 1/4) for Duplantis for the epic victory. He was more than gracious in victory:
“I did not mean to spoil the show but I am so delighted with the win. It has taken a long while to get my first Diamond League victory and I really thought it would never come with Mondo here.
“This stadium is fantastic and the crowd were amazing despite their support for Mondo. We know he will be back as he won´t like being beaten but he told me he was chuffed [pleased] it was me!
“I will build on this. I wanted to go higher today but the wind was tough at times. At 5.90, I think I got lucky with the wind out there. I shall go to Oslo now but the conditions there do not look promising just now so we will see. Track and field would not be where it is without Mondo so we are so lucky to have him in our sport.”
The Diamond League moves on to the Bislett Games in Oslo on Wednesday (10th).
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