Åskag and Hallberg Hossain to the EC final - but a thigh injury worries

Maja Åskag and Ayla Hallberg Hossain secured a place each in Sunday's EC final in the long jump after both jumped 6.66 in the long jump qualification.

Unfortunately, only one of them seems to be able to participate.

- I don't think it will work, unfortunately. It doesn't feel worth it if I can't compete at my highest level, says Hallberg Hossain.

The athletics talent started with two oversteps and sensed that something was amiss already in the second jump - but it was only in the third, when she secured advancement, that the injury broke out.

- You can have a little stiffness, but in the last jump I got a small stab in the thigh.

- It doesn't feel great, unfortunately. I will now go to our physios and doctors and see what they say.

After the accident happened, she tried to call for medical attention at the Alexander Stadium, but it was at least ten minutes before she could get her thigh bandaged.

- They come in quickly if something serious is happening, so I understand that it can happen if it is not very serious. But I still think it's important that you get help when you get a stretch mark or similar. Because it is so important to act quickly, so that it doesn't get worse, says Hallberg Hossain.

- Very frustrating - and when medical staff did arrive, they didn't have the right equipment with them. It took a while before you got help, she adds.

Maja Åskag, 23, suffered with her long jump colleague and reacted to the fact that the medical staff were not on their toes – which is not the first time in the championship, she points out.

- It is under all criticism. You don't understand how difficult it can be. We are still at an EC. Damage will happen, says Åskag and continues:

- There should be people who act much faster. It is very sad for the activists and one hopes that they will take the criticism to heart.

With hindsight, Ayla Hallberg Hossain admits that perhaps she should have given up the last hope.

- I think so. Going to the finals is great fun, but it's not worth it if you get an injury.

What is it like to be in the final but not be able to participate in your first championship?

- I am happy, but at the same time it feels frustrating. I will make the smartest decision and listen to my body.

The third Swedish Tilde Johansson of the long qualification came in 20th place with 6.47 as the best jump, which was not enough to advance.