Johaug missed the Olympic limit by eight seconds
It was close. Long distance star Therese Johaug missed the Olympic limit of 10,000 meters by only eight seconds. However, it became a new personal record.
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Therese Johaug was happy despite missing qualifying limit. Picture: Fredrik Varfjell/NTB/TT Therese Johaug had to work really hard during the 25 laps at Bislett Stadium in Oslo, and with 400 meters left to run she had 65 seconds to the Olympics limit of 31.25. But it became too difficult and despite a strong last lap Johaug ran in at 31.32.88. – It was a carrot to take it but at the same time I am incredibly proud and happy, she says in NRK's broadcast.32 -year-old had the help of a so-called light hare in the rim which was set at 31.24, ie one second below the Olympic limit. Johaug started strong but slowed down towards the end and the closer to the finish line the Norwegian came, the further away she came from the Olympic border. – It was first and foremost an incredible carrot. When I heard that it would be 10,000 meters here at Bislett, I had a great desire to participate, she says. There was no clear Olympic limit, but a new personal record. Her previous record was 31.40,67.– I tried my best, but it got a little too heavy. I had to drop a little in the middle to be strong, but I am incredibly happy with a personal record. But even if she had passed the Olympic limit, there would have been no trip to Tokyo this summer. – Regardless of whether I had passed the requirement or otherwise I will not travel to the Olympics. My goal is the Winter Olympics in Beijing. I do this for motivation, says Johaug. Johaug finished second in the race. The water race was done by Karoline Bjerkeli Grøvdal in 30.50.84.