European Indoor Athletics Championships: “The result of twelve months of work”, rejoices Nafi Thiam

Thiam, 26, retained his first place after the 800 meters, the last event on the program, to beat Noor Vidts, second.

“It was very tiring, especially the first three events, because they follow each other quickly. I am really very satisfied, because despite the fact that I was not completely technically prepared, I did it anyway. The last twelve months are paying off. With a little more technical work, I can certainly do great things this summer. For Tokyo, we are on the right track, and we can continue to work. It gives confidence. C ‘was great to participate in a big championship again to get a taste of the atmosphere, to see the other athletes. I hesitated to come here because there was a risk, but it turns out it was the right choice . “

In the 800-meter fence, Thiam (2: 18.80) finished eighth. It was enough for Xénia Krizsan (2: 12.49), and has a final score of 4,791 points. Krizsan (4,644 points) completes the podium.

With his total of 4,904, Thiam broke the Belgian record (4,877 points) of Tia Hellebaut. “I knew I had to stay under 2:19 for the record, it was in my head at the time. I had already done some great events before, so it was the perfect opportunity to attack me to this record. “

Nafi Thiam, Olympic heptathlon champion, was competing in her first pentathlon in five years. In 2017, in Belgrade, she offered her first European indoor title. It was until Friday his last pentathlon.