Erki Nool on Götzis heptathlon: Saga Vanninen in deep crisis

Finnish heptathlete Saga Vanninen, coached by Olympic champion Erki Nool, was forced to withdraw from the Götzis heptathlon before the penultimate event. According to Finnish athletics experts, Vanninen is in deep crisis, with questions now surrounding her participation in the summer European Championships.

Finnish heptathlete Saga Vanninen struggled at the prestigious heptathlon competition held in Götzis over the weekend, forced to withdraw before the penultimate event. Vanninen's coach is Estonian Erki Nool, a former Olympic champion, who is now expected to help lift his athlete out of this difficult period.

According to Finnish athletics experts, Vanninen is currently in deep crisis. Of particular concern is the fact that the summer season is packed with important competitions, including the European Championships, and Vanninen's form is uncertain as these approach. Experts nevertheless hope that experienced coach Nool will be able to bring his charge back to peak form in time.

The Götzis heptathlon is one of the most prestigious pre-Olympic season competitions, where the world's best multi-event and heptathlon athletes open their seasons. Vanninen's withdrawal has given food for thought to both her coach and the wider Finnish athletics community, particularly considering her previously strong results.