For the first time in a long time, Nafie Thiam is back in the spotlight. The Olympic champion will finally start her season at the European Championships in Rome next weekend after a long period of injury. “But I’m already preparing for the duel between Na’vi and world champion Katarina Johnson-Thompson,” predicted our man in Rome David Naert in Sporza Daily.
A lot can often be learned from an athlete’s attitude. This is also the case with Nafie Thiam, in the run-up to the European Championships in Rome.
“What we remember most is the way she presented herself to the press,” says Sporza Daily commentator David Naert. “She often sat in press conferences against her will, but now she does so with a smile.”
“So I conclude that she is incredibly looking forward to the summer season. The European Championships here in Rome are of course her first tournament of the year.”
That’s why Thiam is tempering his expectations everywhere. “I have always stressed that we should look at the European Championships as a stage in a process. A process towards the Games in Paris.”
“These games are her ultimate goal,” Naert continues. “Especially this third Olympic title in a row. That would be historic.”
Nafi is someone who really shows what she has to offer in tournaments and can outdo herself in those moments.
Hans van Alphen
But there is definitely something at stake for Thiam in Rome. Our compatriot has not yet qualified for the Games. “For this you have to reach a limit of 6480 points,” says former all-around athlete Hans van Alphen.
“Nafi with 90% health gets that far. But it’s still an all-in event. You can only get 3 zeros on a shot or overcome an obstacle… even though that’s death promotion.”
Van Alphen concluded on a positive note, saying: “Navi is someone who really shows what she has to offer in tournaments and can outdo herself in those moments.”
David Naert also doesn’t assume it will finish lower than that score. “But if that happens, she will have one last chance in Ratingen, Germany. Although it will be at very short notice.”
World champion Katarina Johnson-Thompson could soon become Thiam’s biggest rival.
8 out of 10 times on the platform
When both men were asked about their chances of putting in an outstanding performance at the European Championships, the answer was very positive.
“If you get 6600 or 6700 points, you will get on the podium 8 out of 10 times,” says Van Alphen.
“There is opposition,” Naert responds. “World champion Katarina Johnson-Thompson is also participating. Nafi will want to show: ‘You may be world champion, but I’m going to Paris to extend my title.’
“The question is how far Thiam wants to go against KJT. But I am already preparing for the duel between the two.”
Who will come out on top soon?
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