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Skotheim Faces Uphill Battle at European Indoor Championships

Sander Skotheim, initially favored in the heptathlon, faces a significant challenge after the first day of the European Indoor Championships in Apeldoorn. Swiss athlete Simon Ehammer has surged ahead, creating a substantial lead after three events. Despite setting a personal best in the 60-meter sprint, Skotheim finds himself trailing.

Ehammer currently leads with a 155-point advantage.

Skotheim remains optimistic, stating, “Njæi, it’s still a fight. 150 points is almost possible to catch up just in height, so I will try it.”

Sander Skotheim at the 60-meter sprint in Apeldoorn. Photo: Reuters

Shot Put Struggles Hamper Skotheim’s Progress

Skotheim’s performance in the shot put proved to be a setback. His best throw of 14.39 meters placed him 12th out of 14 participants. Reflecting on his performance, Skotheim noted, “The 60-meter was very good… Long is fine…Cool is a little annoying… but I felt I had a lot more inside today.”

Current Standings

As the competition heads into the high jump, Skotheim is in third place with 2707 points. Till Steinforth of Germany is in second with 2775 points, while Simon Ehammer leads with 2862 points.

• 1. Simon Ehammer (Switzerland) 2862 points
• 2. Till Steinforth (Germany) 2775 points
• 3. Sander Skotheim (Norway) 2707 points
• 4. Rasmus roosleth (Estonia) 2639 points
• 5. John Erm (estonia) 2634 points
• 6. Girl Hauttekeete (Belgium) 2581 points
• 7. Vilem Strasky (Czech Republic) 2575 points
• 8. Jeff Tesselaar (The Netherlands) 2564 points

Skotheim Aims to Regain Ground

Acknowledging his underwhelming shot put performance, Skotheim explained, “I don’t know, but I’m getting a little eager, I think. I walk a little earlier with the upper body than I should, and then I lose half a meter or more. I never quiet get that hit.”

Skotheim’s European Record in Tallinn

• 60 meters – 7.04 – 868 points
• Length – 8.19 meters – 1110 points
• Shot Put – 15.00 meters – 790 points
• Height – 2.06 meters – 859 points
• 60 meters hurdles – 8.04 – 972 points
• Pole vault – 5.25 meters – 988 points
• 1000 meters – 2:37.85 – 897 points

Total: 6484 points. During the event in Tallinn in February,the 22-year-old Skotheim set a European record with a total of 6464 points,surpassing Kevin Mayer’s 2017 record by five points.

Other Notable Events

While Skotheim contends in the heptathlon,Jakob Asserson ingebrigtsen is set to compete in the 1500-meter final later tonight. Markus Rooth, another Olympic hopeful, will not be participating in the European Championships.

Despite a challenging first day, Skotheim’s determination remains unwavering as he prepares for the remaining events. With the high jump looming, he aims to close the gap and contend for a top spot.

Published: March 7, 2025

Updated: March 7, 2025

What mental strategies does Liv Arnesen employ to help Sander manage the pressure and focus during multi-event competitions like the heptathlon?

Sander Skotheim’s Heptathlon Journey: An Interview with Coach Liv Arnesen

Sander Skotheim, the Norwegian heptathlete, faces a tough battle at the European Indoor Championships in Apeldoorn. Archyde News spoke with his coach, Liv Arnesen, to gain insights into his performance and strategy.

Setting the Scene: The First day of Competition

Archyde News: Liv, thanks for joining us.After the first day in Apeldoorn, Sander finds himself trailing Simon Ehammer.What’s your assessment of his performance so far?

Liv Arnesen: Thanks for having me. It’s true, Simon [Ehammer] has established a lead. Sander started strong with that personal best in the 60-meter sprint. The long jump was solid. But the shot put was definitely a setback. We no he’s capable of more ther.

Addressing the Shot Put Setback

Archyde News: sander himself admitted to being “eager” during the shot put. Can you elaborate on what might have contributed to that?

Liv Arnesen: Absolutely. Sometimes, in the heat of competition, athletes can overthink. Sander’s technique can get a little rushed when he’s pushing for a big throw. He needs to maintain that composure and trust the process. We’ve been working on that mental aspect, too, wich is crucial in events like the heptathlon.

The Importance of the High Jump

Archyde News: Sander mentioned that he could potentially close the gap significantly in the high jump. Is that where you see him making his move?

Liv Arnesen: The high jump is indeed a critical event for him. He’s a naturally gifted jumper, and as he said, he could close the gap. But it’s not just about the points; it’s about regaining momentum, feeling confident, and carrying that positive energy into the rest of the competition. We’ll be focusing on staying relaxed and executing his technique cleanly.

Remembering the European Record

Archyde News: Sander recently set a European record in Tallinn.How does that achievement impact his mindset coming into this championship, even with the day one challenges?

Liv arnesen: That record in Tallinn certainly gives him confidence. He knows what he’s capable of when he’s at his best. It serves as a reminder that he can compete at the highest level. The key now is to put the shot put behind him, learn from it, and focus on replicating the strengths he demonstrated in Tallinn across the remaining events.

Looking Ahead: Sander’s Strategy

Archyde News: What will be Sander’s strategy for the rest of the competition? Will he be taking any calculated risks?

liv Arnesen: Our strategy is always to focus on consistency and executing each event to the best of his ability. No needless risks. He needs to stay present, trust his training, and compete smart. He should push when he recognizes the right moments.The heptathlon is a marathon, not a sprint.He has to stay consistent through the 60 meter hurdles, pole vualt and 1000 meters.

A Final Thought: Reader Interaction

Archyde News: Liv, thank you for sharing your insights with us. One final question, what do you think is the most challenging aspect of competing in a multi-event competition like the heptathlon, something fans at home might not fully appreciate?

Liv Arnesen: I thinks multi-event athletes have to fight to improve in so many events. Specializing in one definetly improves your chances of winning, but I think the need of balance and versatility is a feat in itself that one truly appreciates until they have tried it themselves. And thanks to you.