Large parts of the world elite were present, except for the Japanese corridors.

Then Perseus Karlström made a strong effort.

The Swede won the competition, which has gold status, in the time 38.42.

- It feels really cruel.

Especially considering how I am in the preparations.

I'm still in the basic phase, so if everything goes well, there is a lot to pick up, says Karlström to SVT Sport.

- The course suited me well.

I cracked the opponents on the uphill at the end.

The performance is a nice formality ahead of this summer's World Athletics Championships in the USA.

There, Perseus Karlström is ready for the competitions of 35 and 20 kilometers respectively.

There he hopes to improve his World Cup bronze from 2019.

- I will work really hard for it.

The goal is to improve the World Cup bronze.

There is full focus on coming back and doing a good performance after the disappointment at the Olympics, says Perseus Karlström.

CLIP: Karlström historic in defending the European Championship gold (16 May 2021)

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Perseus Karlström defended his European Championship title in 20 km.

Photo: Bildbyrån / European Athletics Association