Hungarian Attila Molnar triumphed in the European Indoor Championships 400m final on Saturday, crossing the finish line at 45.25s, and Frenchman Jimy Soudril claimed the bronze with 45.59s. Poland's Maksymilian Szwed finished second, clocking 45.31s and breaking the long-standing Polish indoor record.
"I kept imagining that I would finish first. I almost did it. Unfortunately, I couldn't overtake on the bend. I still tried on the last straight, but unfortunately Molnar is still too strong for me - although I had a chance. The Hungarian led me out beautifully, and that is why I broke the record"
- Szwed told Poland's public broadcaster's sports channel TVP Sport after the race.
The previous Polish indoor record of 45.39s belonged to Marek Plawgo and held since 2002. Now, 23 years later, Szwed improved it by 0.08 seconds. He also set the new European U23 indoor record.
"Another 10 meters and I would have managed to overtake the Hungarian. If the straight was longer, I would have managed. However, this is a 400-meter race, not 410. I am also very happy with the silver medal. Second place in my first Championships is something incredible, and a dream come true"
- the Polish runner continued.
Szwed is widely regarded as a great talent - and the main candidate to break the Polish record in the stadium as well. This one holds even longer - ever since Tomasz Czubak ran 400m in 44.62s in 1999.
After three out of four days of the indoor championship in Apeldoorn, Netherlands - the Swiss are leading the medal chart with two golds and two silvers. With three medals, one colour each, the Poles enter the final day of the event in the sixth position.
(mm)
Source: PAP, IAR