Andreas Almgren Wins Historic Bronze in 10,000m at 2025 World Championships
Andreas Almgren secures a historic bronze in the 10,000m at the 2025 World Championships, marking a significant achievement for Swedish athletics.
Key Points
- • Andreas Almgren won bronze in the 10,000 meters at the World Championships in Tokyo.
- • This is the first time a male middle or long-distance runner has secured a medal for Sweden.
- • Almgren's achievement is notable after overcoming injuries and setbacks throughout his career.
- • His victory signifies a potential shift in long-distance running dynamics, challenging African dominance.
Andreas Almgren made history at the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo by securing a bronze medal in the 10,000 meters, marking a significant milestone for Swedish athletics. This achievement is particularly notable as it represents the first time a male middle or long-distance runner from Sweden has medaled in this event, a feat unseen since 1987, when no European-born athlete medaled in this category, except for Mo Farah.
Competing in sweltering conditions of 28 degrees Celsius and high humidity, Almgren trained rigorously in a heat chamber to prepare for the race. His strategic approach during the final was commendable, as he took the lead halfway through a race characterized by a slow initial pace, managing to conserve energy for a strong performance. Almgren finished the race in third place, behind French runner Jimmy Gressier who took gold and Ethiopia's Yomif Kejelcha, who claimed silver.
Emotional reactions from teammates and coaches highlighted the significance of this victory within the Swedish athletics community. Coach Kajsa Bergqvist, who has mentored Almgren for years, expressed great pride, stating, "There is no one who deserves it more than Andreas". Almgren, overwhelmed by the moment, reflected on his journey, stating, "I have hoped for a medal for so long. I don’t think anyone believed I could achieve this in such a slow race. I have worked so hard for this."
Almgren's path to this medal has not been easy; it has been marked by injuries and missed opportunities, including a fourth place at the previous year's European Championships. This bronze has been hailed as one of the greatest performances in Swedish sports history. Moreover, it symbolizes a shift in long-distance running, challenging the longstanding dominance of African athletes, attributed to enhanced anti-doping measures. Almgren's coach, Urban Ahrun, remains optimistic about Almgren's potential future successes, especially in the 5,000 meters later in the championships.
In conclusion, Almgren's bronze medal not only affirms his hard work and perseverance but also revitalizes hopes for Swedish athletics on the global stage, positioning him among Sweden's prominent sports figures alongside Armand Duplantis and Jonna Sundling.