In June, Andreas Kramer lowered his Swedish record from 2020 to 1:44.08 in the 800 meters at the Irena Szewinska Memorial competition.
In the Paris Diamond League gala, it was time again for Kramer to lower the Swedish record.
At the DL gala in Paris, the 27-year-old ran 800 meters in 1:43.65, finishing in seventh place.
It feels great. I was super happy last time when I broke my record, but it was close to 1:43. It was nice to have that goal and today I managed to get under 1:43, says Kramer after the race in TV4.
The top eight of the ten participants all set personal records, and several runners noted new national records.
"Crazy tempo"
Djamel Sedjati from Algeria won, running a world-leading 1:41.56. Emmanuel Wanyonyi, Kenya, finished second in 1:41.58. Frenchman Gabriel Tual finished third, setting a French record with a time of 1:41.61.
It was a crazy tempo, it went fast. It's an insane time they're running up there. I'm happy with how I performed, I positioned myself well, says Kramer.
Improved personal best for the second time in a short period, with only a few weeks left until the Olympics in Paris.
It feels like we've taken it to the next level this year, it feels great to be able to improve all the time. It didn't feel given today. I've had a bit of a struggle since the last record and had to fight to get back after that. Now I'm here with a new record again, so it's incredibly great.
"Mondo" won
Otherwise, for the Swedish part: Armand Duplantis won as expected in the pole vault, with a jump of 6.00 meters.
It's been a tough period, but now after this, it will be calmer. I feel as fresh as possible ahead of the Olympics, that's where I want to be in my best form, and now I feel great, fresh and strong. I have confidence and am tagged for the Olympics, says Duplantis to TV4.
There were two attempts at the world record, 6.25, but without success for "Mondo".
I had a bit of a problem with the wind today. Sometimes it can be completely wonderful, sometimes it's headwind and sidewind, all sorts of things. But it felt good, and I knew the wind was inconsistent, so I thought "I'll try for the world record and hope I get a bit of luck". I got good wind on the last attempt, but then it was almost too much tailwind.
Carl Bengtström finished sixth in the men's 400 meters hurdles with a time of 48.68.
A completely okay race, my form isn't like at the European Championship, but I went in today and wanted to run under 49 seconds. I take important points, it's stable. There are some small technical things, but nice to be able to deliver such a time, says Bengtström.
The Olympics in Paris open on July 26.
