Armand Duplantis and Perseus Karlström secured the Swedish gold medals in the European Championship. And we saw a new Swedish sprint sensation.
Now Kajsa Bergqvist is hoping for more Olympic places.
I have high hopes for it, says the team captain.
The Championship in Rome ended with a new display by pole vaulter Armand Duplantis.
Third consecutive European Championship gold, new championship record (6,10) and a reminder of who is Sweden's biggest Olympic favourite this summer.
Also, walker Perseus Karlström is heading to Paris with favourite pressure after the European Championship gold on 20 km.
Carl Bengtström secured the third Swedish European Championship medal with a bronze on 400 metres hurdles.
The goal of six medals, as many as at the European Championship in Gothenburg 2006, was not reached. Among the disappointments is Olympic champion Daniel Ståhl's medal miss in discus.
But I am very proud of the athletes' performance. It's incredible how many have taken personal records, set seasonal bests and placed well. We have three medals, a bunch of fourth and fifth places, says Bergqvist.
"Heading towards a fantastic era"
It's mainly one event group that has stuck out, she believes.
Sprint, wow, bloody hell we're coming strong and broad with those who are already established like Julia (Henriksson) and Henrik (Larsson), they're only 23 and 25 years old. And Carl (Bengtström) isn't old either (24). We're heading towards a fantastic era, says Kajsa Bergqvist.
What gives me goosebumps is when people break barriers, from being young and promising to suddenly being among the elite. It's been awesome in this Championship with generation 04 who have now gone directly to the senior elite.
On Friday, the Swedish Olympic Committee (SOK) will select more athletes for the Olympics. Much suggests that some athletes will get the green light. Ten have already been selected.
Strengthened their Olympic chances
Among those who strengthened their Olympic chances during the European Championship are Henrik Larsson, who came fourth on 100 metres. Also, star talent Erik Erlandsson, 20, who sensationally reached the final on 200 metres where he came fourth.
Julia Henriksson has approached Linda Haglund's Swedish record on 100 and 200 metres this spring and in the European Championship, she equalled the 45-year-old record on 200 metres when she came sixth in the European Championship final. At the same time, Nora Lindahl sensationally reached the semi-final on 200 metres with a personal record of 22,89 – only seven hundredths from the Swedish record. One or both could be rewarded with Olympic tickets.
The Swedish Championship in Uddevalla on 28-30 June is the last chance for athletes to take an Olympic spot. Bergqvist hopes for 20-25 active athletes in Paris.
Andreas Kramer (800 metres).
Andreas Almgren (5,000 and 10,000 metres).
Carl Bengtström (400 metres hurdles).
Thobias Montler (long jump).
Armand Duplantis (pole vault).
Daniel Ståhl (discus).
Fanny Roos (shot put).
Suldan Hassan (marathon).
Carolina Wikström (marathon).
Perseus Karlström (walking).
Gold: Perseus Karlström, 20 km walk, Armand Duplantis, pole vault.
Bronze: Carl Bengtström, 400 m hurdles.
Fourth: Henrik Larsson, 100 m. Erik Erlandsson, 200 m, Daniel Ståhl, discus, Andreas Almgren, 10,000 m.
Fifth: Andreas Kramer, 800 m.
Sixth: Julia Henriksson, 200 m.
