– I’m completely moved. We called each other last weekend and then it was like “this season we are going to be bad and not make it happen”. We were both so scared, says Andrea Rooth and wipes away a few tears. The 20-year-old broke his own personal record and took silver in the 400 meter hurdles during the National Championships, and at the finish area Henriette Jæger was one of the first to congratulate with a big hug. – A lot of the reason I went here is because I get a lot of inspiration from seeing others do well, meet my friends and just be in the environment. It’s really fun that Andrea is doing so well, says Jæger, who at the last minute decided to participate in shot put during this weekend’s NM. – Two weeks ago I had a corona and just had a stretch in my leg. The charge has been a bit heavy, Rooth explains. The last time has really been marked by injuries, trouble and uncertainty for the two all-around talents, who have competed against each other and been friends for many years already. SMILE AGAIN: Henriette Jæger, who turns 19 this week, took part in a shot put during the National Championships. Photo: Roy Kenneth S. Jacobsen / news – Was probably a little in shock Jæger was able to secure an Olympic place last summer, but stumbled in a hurdle and broke his leg in the decisive event. Since then, she has not competed. – It broke up again around Christmas, and then it took even longer and I was back in March / April, so I got sick, because I was very busy getting back training. But the body was not on the team at all. Now I am still a little slightly injured here, but things look more positive now, the 18-year-old thinks. She admits that it has been difficult to sit at home and watch goals or goals disappear. – It has been much tougher mentally than I had thought, but I think that if I get through this here, then I will be very strong, says Jæger. The foot is good again, but now it is the hoarding that is the problem for the athlete who took NM gold in both 200 and 400 meters in 2020. ON THE WAY BACK: After a year with a lot of adversity, Henriette Jæger is gradually back in athletics. Photo: Anders Skjerdingstad / news – The leg was probably a bit in shock to get started with all the training I wanted. Then it probably said that it was too much, she admits. – What is it like to have to be patient when you are as talented as you? – I am probably the most impatient person there is, so that has been the biggest challenge, to hold back. That is probably also the reason why the damage has come. I have really been put to the test, Jæger answers with a laugh, and tells that mum and trainer Unn Merete Jæger has worked hard to keep her back. Exciting goals But now it looks brighter for both Jæger and Rooth. The latter also took the gold in the 100 meter hurdles, and is in no doubt that the friend also strikes back strongly. – With the brain there and the attitude she has to everything, and such a positive spreader of joy ….. I think she can do everything she wants in the world, praises Andrea Rooth. NM SUCCESS: Andrea Rooth (left), Amalie Iuel and Nora Kollerød Wold shared the podium after 400 meters hurdles. Photo: Stian Lysberg Solum / NTB – I am touched by this myself. They’ve had a hard time, they both have. So it’s all right that they have had each other, that they have talked a lot together and had support in difficult times, says dad Vegard Rooth. Now they have both set new goals for the season – a season they both feared could go almost in the sink. – It is the U20 WC in six weeks and the goal is really to get there and do well. There is a bit of a reason why I do not participate in more exercises in the NM as well, so as not to take risks, Henriette Jæger explains. – I had ruled out the European Championships in the 400 meter hurdles, but now that door is open again. I really want to do that, Andrea Rooth admits.
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The great talents feared for the season – tears rolled down the medals – news Sport – Sports news, results and broadcast schedule
