Well assorted athletics events today, but one particular feature was that this evening was the first semi-final of the European Football Championships. I say this not just because I wanted to get back to the hotel to watch it (with excitable Finnish commentary) but because the athletics was also timed to end to make sure this could happen. And the upshot was that the "morning" session finished about 4pm and the evening session began before 5pm, so hardly any break between, in order to let us out "early".
Note the mascots. Look rather like chaps wearing sponges with a bandana.
The morning included the Triple Jump qualifying. Now, as I mentioned, my seat was right above the jumping pits with the result that any spare seats around me were often filled either with coaches who would holler down instructions to their poor athletes,
or other athletes who were lending support to their team-mates. Including long jumper Chris Tomlinson who came to watch Larry Achike attempt to qualify. Obviuosly, if Phillips Idowu was out here he would have been favourite for the event, but for Larry even qualifying was too much. I think it is fair to say he is in the twilight of his career - in his late thirties now (so officially a veteran) and his big jumps are behind him.
A big field entered the triple jump, so Larry wasn't the only disappointed man. Here is Anders Moller of Denmark (who was given noisy encouragement by Danish team mates near me) - his last jump and after. Looks pretty pissed off doesn't he?
The Press photographers out in force. 100m? No, this is Finland. Its the Javelin that floats their boat. And indeed the men's javelin accounted for their only medal Bronze. Poor return for the hosts.
But it was the night the 100m was run. As expected, gold for Lamaitre of France, but not a
great victory. He may be best European, but I think he will be pleased just to make the final in London.
Another day, more sun, then cloud, then showers and cold, then sun again.
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