27 December 2009

Former Olympic and World triple jump champion, Christian Olsson, will return to competition at the Aviva Grand Prix in Birmingham, after more than two years of intermittent injuries.

The 29-year-old from Sweden will jump on February 20 at the National Indoor Arena, a venue he was crowned World Indoor Champion at six years ago.

Olsson has not competed at a major event since he took gold at the European Championships in his hometown of Gothenburg in 2006 due to a number of injuries, however the Swedish Olympic Team requested that he carry the flag for them at the Opening Ceremony in Beijing, such is the high regard Olsson is held in.

“It has been a tough couple of years for me due to a number of injuries but I am hoping that for the first time, in a long time, I will start the year fit and ready to compete,” said Olsson.

“Not being able to compete, or even train, has been understandably hard but I still have a lot to give to the sport and I’m excited to be back.

“It seems like a long time ago that I was in Birmingham but I still remember winning gold at the World Indoor Championships in 2003 at the National Indoor Arena.  Staying healthy is my priority, but if I can then who knows what I might be able to achieve. 

“A number of guys have been jumping well, Phillips (Idowu) is one of them.  Of course I am looking forward to coming back and renewing that rivalry with him; he’s not the World Indoor and Outdoor champion for nothing and you always want to beat the best.”

Tickets for the Aviva Grand Prix at the National Indoor Arena, Birmingham on Saturday 20th February are available by phone on 08000 556 056 or online at www.uka.org.uk