Lene Retzius is, together with 19 other pole vaulters, ready for the pole vault final. It happens after a surprising twist. There were not twelve athletes who managed to jump 4.55 metres, and after a period of uncertainty it became clear that everyone who jumped 4.40 on the first attempt is in the final. – Roller coaster. The Fyser. When I failed at 4.55 I was sure I was out. But then my coach said “It’s not over, it’s not over”, says a cheerful Retzius to news. The tears flowed. She says that they were not aware of the rules and that there were a few nerve-wracking minutes waiting for a decision. – I don’t know if the TV pictures showed the tears that flowed, but I didn’t think there would be a place in the final, says Retzius. The reversal also surprised news’s commentators. – It is a strange scenario we are witnessing, says news commentator Christina Vukicevic. FINAL READY: Lene Retzius will jump in Wednesday’s final anyway. Photo: Fredrik Varfjell / NTB It was a long time after the attempt itself that there were suddenly opportunities for the final after all. Around 12.30 came the confirmation that Retzius will be in the final. There are thus a total of 20 participants in the final after the complete turnaround. – That you are still in the finals… It’s the biggest smile I’ve had in a long time. Goosebumps! says the Norwegian Olympic hopeful. – What do you think of them going for such a solution? – For my part, I’m just grateful for that. It may be that someone sees it differently, but it’s nice to have the margins on your side when you have a lot of leverage like today. She also stands with a personal record of 4.70 metres. That’s a long way down from Monday’s performance. British shock exit Nevertheless, the biggest shock came from the British side. Molly Caudery is the woman with the year’s best in pole vaulting on the women’s side and was a clear candidate for gold. She decided to stand over some heights and entered the competition at a height of 4.55. It didn’t work when she ripped three times, and she ended up devastated after realizing that she won’t be taking part in the final. This means that Retzius will participate in the final on Wednesday. – I will sleep well, eat well and relax well. I will keep a cool head and lower my shoulders, and then I will nail it in a final, says Retzius. Published 05/08/2024, at 13.05 Updated 05.08.2024, at 13.27
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