Sweden’s Alexina Johansson shocked a top-class field to win bronze in the women’s shot put at the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Kujawy Pomorze on Friday (20).
Johansson won gold at the World University Games last year but had yet to make a real impression at major championships.
However, while more illustrious names struggled to reproduce their best form, the 25-year-old Swede improved her national record to 19.75m in round two, taking an early lead and moving firmly into medal contention.
Twice world outdoor champion Chase Jackson of the USA overtook her with a throw of 19.96m, also in the second round. Jackson went on to improve to 20.14m in the fourth round to secure gold.
Canada’s Sarah Mitton, who was aiming for her third successive world indoor title, edged into silver with a fourth-round throw of 19.78m. There were no changes to the podium positions in the final two rounds, allowing Johansson to celebrate a career-best result.
Schilder and Ogunleye both disappointed
There was disappointment for reigning world champion and world leader Jessica Schilder of the Netherlands, who was unable to replicate the 20-metre form she had shown throughout the indoor season. She finished fourth with a best of 19.63m in the fifth round.
Similarly, Germany’s Olympic champion Yemisi Ogunleye was below her best, placing fifth with her opening throw of 19.46m remaining her strongest effort.