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News03 Mar 1999


3 March - Maebashi Shorts

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3 MarchMaebashi shorts
The thoughts of some athletes and coaches already in Maebashi:

Czech triple jumper Sárka Kaspárková, who hasn’t failed to win a medal at a major championship in four years, looks forward to her clash with Britain’s world indoor record holder Ashia Hansen.

"It will be down to this," she says, pointing to her head. " In terms of fitness there is not much difference between us. Whoever has the stronger mind will win."

European Champion Grit Breuer (GER) and her coach Thomas Springstein like the facilities but felt the track may not be super-fast. Talking tactics for indoor 400m racing, Springstein says "It is good to be first at the end of the first lap, but if you are in second place - and no worse - it is still possible to win."

"It is the best throwing circle I have ever seen for an indoor competition," declared Spanish Shot Put Champion and record holder Manuel Martínez. "The type of shot used is also good ... my favourite in fact."

Swedish high jumper Stefan Holm is one who applauds the IAAF decision to scrap field event qualifying rounds. "I prefer a straight final," he says. "Competing in a qualifying round can be a problem. I must jump 2.25 at least, which is near my maximum. You need to get a clean sheet [no failures] then compete again the next day." Holm, accompanied by his coach and father Johnny, is making his first ever trip outside of Europe.

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