Foto: Pavel Lebeda (sport-pics.cz)

He leaned over the railing of the town hall tower in Ostrava and said: "That’s beautiful.” The world champion in pole vault American Sam Kendricks and the world champion in shot put Tom Walsh had truly unusual welcome before the start of this year’s Golden Spike meeting.

Deputy Mayor for sports and culture Andrea Hoffmanová introduced them the town directly from the highest town hall tower in the Czech Republic. The height over 70 meters meant no problem for Kendricks as he is used to fall from six metres. “I like Ostrava, last year I started here twice and I am also looking forward this year. I am in good shape and I would like to attack the season best, so jump over six metres,” he told to journalists.

And similarly optimistic was Tom Walsh. He sent his equipment up to 22.18 metres on Sunday in Chorzow and he would like to attack his own record of the meeting, which is just two centimetres shorter. “It is supposed to be very hot weather, which I love. During the year I have two summers – one in New Zealand and the second in Europe. Many good shot putters will compete here, including Tomáš Staněk. I like to compete with him, he is similar to me.”

The cool atmosphere was felt by both great athletes. They don’t need to fulfil criteria for Doha World Championships, because as the defending champions they are qualified automatically. “Life doesn’t change with the world title, everything goes on. And to defend gold medal is always very hard. I want to show the best performance in Ostrava and entertain the audience. I like it here very much, the hotel is close and stadium is great. You have many talented Czech athletes and we want to motivate them. I hope that many people will show up,” enclosed Kendricks.