German
English
European champion Janne Holmen measures himself against the best in the world
in Paul Tergat and last years winner, Raymond Kipkoech in the Berlin Marathon
on Sunday, but the Finn has no illusions about the gulf in class. "If
Tergat runs up to his usual level, I have no chance at the moment," said
Holmen, who celebrated his 26th birthday at a press conference in the German
capital today (Friday). The Finn was a surprise winner of the European title in
Munich a year ago, in only his second marathon. It was also his best time, 2hr
12min 14sec, some six and a half minutes slower than Tergats best. Sunday will
be Holmens third marathon, and while the Kenyan pair are set on attacking the
world record of 2.05.38, set by Khalid Khannouchi in London last year, the Finn
will be happy with a simple improvement.
"Two-10 (2hr 10min) is a good objective, but if I feel fresh, Ill
increase the pace. Its a flat course, and its good to be in a race with a lot
of top-class runners, it gives me an opportunity to make a big
improvement". As a post-doctorate researcher in Nordic history, Holmen is
well-qualified to appreciate how he is seen as a revival of the once-great
tradition of Finnish distance running. Once upon a time, the Finns were as
feared as Kenyans are nowadays. Paavo Nurmi, with a record nine Olympic titles
was the star of a golden age which stretched through five Olympiads until the
second World War, with a revival in the 1970s and 80s. But, as Holmen admits
pickings have been thin since then.
"There were a few signs this year, we had a finalist in the World
Championships steeplechase. But its too early to say whether its a resurrection
or not. But Im still young for a marathoner". And he can always get some
family advice. Since going to train at altitude in Morocco, he met and married
the sister of Khalid Skah, the 1992 Olympic 10,000 metres champion, and winner
of two world cross country titles, prior to Tergats five successive
victories.