On the platform at Oslo Central Station, just before the train that would take the Diamond League athletes from Oslo to Stockholm was due to depart, the world record holder in the 100 and 200 meters came walking towards the new record holder in the 400 meters.
– You have to help me. I’m not very good at English, Henriette Jæger said to NRK’s reporter at the scene, when she realized that Usain Bolt himself was heading towards her.
Clearly nervous and worried, she looked at the star and struck up a conversation.
– I just met Usain Bolt. It was so cool, Henriette Jæger almost shouted to her teammate Amalie Iuel.
STAR MEETING: Jæger was on fire after meeting with Usain Bolt.
– It’s different to see him live than to see him on TV. You become a bit of a 12-year-old fangirl, but he’s very nice and it was fun to have a conversation, Jæger explains to NRK.
It’s different seeing him live than watching him on TV. You become a bit of a 12 year old fangirl, but he’s really nice and it was fun to have a conversation.It’s different seeing him live than watching him on TV. You become a bit of a 12 year old fangirl, but he’s really nice and it was fun to have a conversation.
But it wasn’t just small talk from the running legend. Bolt actually gave the 21-year-old Norwegian some clear advice.
– Look at the screen!
During the Diamond League meet in Bislett on Thursday, the Norwegian runner set a new Norwegian record in the 400 meters. The time stopped at 49.62 seconds.
But on the run-up, her gaze moved from side to side, and so did her head, and just before the finish line she was passed by American Isabella Whittaker. Bolt also noticed.
“You have to watch the big screen,” the Jamaican said to Jæger after they had shaken hands.
MESSAGE ON THE PLANET: The two freestyle profiles meet at Oslo S, before they were to take the train to the Diamond League tournament in Stockholm.
Bolt elaborates to NRK:
– I watched her race yesterday and noticed that she looked around, and in a way slowed down. I think that’s why she “lost” the sprint. Next time she should just watch the big screen. Most people do, because then you can also see how the others are doing and she doesn’t have to slow down.
I watched her race yesterday and noticed that she looked around, and kind of slowed down. I think that’s why she “lost” the sprint. Next time she should just watch the big screen. Most people do, because then you can also see how the others are doing and she doesn’t have to slow down.I watched her race yesterday and noticed that she looked around, and kind of slowed down. I think that’s why she “lost” the sprint. Next time she should just watch the big screen. Most people do, because then you can also see how the others are doing and she doesn’t have to slow down.
– She must not worry about those around her. She must not look to the side, but rather look straight ahead. Then it will go faster, he concludes.
WATCH THE RACE: Henriette Jæger broke her own Norwegian record in the 400 meters.
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WATCH THE RACE: Henriette Jæger broke her own Norwegian record in the 400 meter race.
Promise to listen
But Bolt is not the first to have tipped Jæger off about this.
– I’ve heard it many times before, but it takes a Bolt for me to take it in, says Jæger, smiling.
– I have to stop looking to the side. I waste hundreds of dollars on it, because all my energy goes forward. It’s a habit I have, but I can’t keep doing it, she admits.
GIRA: Henriette Jæger promises to listen to Bolt.
– Would you have won with his tip?
– Would you have won with his tip?
– I don’t know if I would have won, but I might have run one or two hundredths faster.
– Why haven’t you changed it before?
– Why haven’t you changed it before?
– I’m terribly curious about whether there’s anyone there and where the others in the field are, so curiosity takes over from reason, Jæger answers.
“I’m terribly curious about whether there’s anyone there and where the others in the field are, so curiosity takes over from reason,” Jæger answers.”I’m terribly curious about whether there’s anyone there and where the others in the field are, so curiosity takes over from reason,” Jæger answers.
Bolt hopes for new press
Bolt hopes for new pressBolt hopes for new press
Bolt has great faith that change is possible, and also faster times for the Norwegian great talent.
Bolt has great faith that change is possible, and also faster times for the Norwegian great talent.Bolt has great faith that change is possible, and also faster times for the Norwegian great talent.
– There is always room for improvement, it’s about doing the job. Now she made the mistake of looking around, so you can see that it is possible there.
There is always room for improvement, it’s about doing the job. Now she made the mistake of looking around, so you can see that it’s possible there.There is always room for improvement, it’s about doing the job. Now she made the mistake of looking around, so you can see that it’s possible there.
On Sunday, Jæger will run 400 meters at the Diamond League meet in Stockholm. There she hopes for a “Bolt effect”.
WANT TO WIN: Henriette Jæger was beaten by Isabella Whittaker in the race in Oslo.
– The Bolt tip will be used in Stockholm, so let’s hope there might be a victory this time. That would have been fun.
– Hopefully she will meet new people in Stockholm, says Usain Bolt.
- Watch Diamond League from Stockholm on NRK Sunday from kl. 6 p.m.
Watch Diamond League from Stockholm on NRK Sunday from kl. 6 p.m.