The bar jumpers were born at intervals of a few weeks, in July 1993, and broke about at the same time just over ten years ago. Angelica Bengtsson has usually been a snap in front of the national team and has the Swedish record in pole vault with 4.81 in French Clermont-Ferrand last year.

Despite this, Bengtsson, before the international gala "Inspiration Games" from Karlstad, talks about how the situation has felt both pressing and stressful. Not least when Michaela Meijer 2017 set a new Swedish record when she jumped 4.71 at home in Gothenburg.

- Yes, and in 2017 I felt that I was not good in my body. When she has been near me before, I have said that it was difficult, says Angelica Bengtsson to TT.

Today, however, the situation is different and Bengtsson has released the press from the national team colleague.

- Now I feel very stable and not worried in the same way. My shape curve is good and my personal record is higher than hers, so far it's just peppy, says Bengtsson.

Competitors compete in a different place

Today she sees the Swedish pole vault national team as a strong unit, rather than individual individuals.

- I have agreed that we are a Swedish team and that we are very strong every time we come to a championship. There is less focus on names, says Bengtsson

In tonight's contest "Inspiration Games", which is part of the Diamond League this year, Meijer is not included in the starting lists. However, Bengtsson meets several international jumpers such as Sandi Morris from the US and Ekaterina Stefanidi from Greece, both of whom compete from different places.

Bengtsson and the Polish pole-jumper Piotr Lisek are the only competitors on site in Karlstad.

- It will be tough to jump alone. I thought the shape would be worse, but I feel in unusually good shape. I have worked a lot to get something else to think about and it seems that a lot is in the psych. When the head feels good, the rod goes well, she says.