Surprise on the other end of the line. Léa Sprunger’s voice is not too damaged. From the stand of the Tokyo Worlds, the former Vaudoise athlete who became a consultant for RTS offered French-speaking Switzerland a great television moment on Monday in the company of journalist John Nicolet.
Like the emotions that the duo David Lemos – Steve von Bergen may have provided during the famous football match between France and Switzerland at Euro 2021, the duo from the public service channel exulted at the end of the historic performance of Ditaji Kambundji, new world champion in the 100m hurdles. “We lived this moment to the fullest,” Léa Sprunger still laughs after a night of rest.
“Come on Didi”
Even in her wildest dreams, the European outdoor and indoor 400m hurdles champion had not imagined such a beautiful scenario for her Bernese friend. “We knew she could do something big. But we were talking about winning a medal, not necessarily a world title, she admits. What Ditaji did is crazy! With John, we had difficulty coming down after that moment. We have to take advantage of it because there won’t be many others.”
We heard it live but it’s even more noticeable in slow motion. While Mujinga’s little sister was on the starting line, Léa Sprunger whispered a little “go Didi” which expressed all the tension she had within her at the time. “It’s more stressful than being an athlete,” admits the Nyonnaise. When you are a spectator of the situation, you control nothing, whereas on the track, you hold the cards and you must execute. It’s a very, very different stress.”
“It was just perfect”
As a great hurdle specialist, Léa Sprunger watched Ditaji Kambundji’s performance with a very admiring eye. “She knew how to stay in her line, focused on her lane and herself, without being destabilized by the competitors near her,” she applauds. The reaction time is crazy, the obstacle clearance is impeccable, there is no unwanted movement with his arms and hips and all the energy is directed forward. It was just perfect.”
By her own admission, it is the most beautiful moment she has experienced as a consultant since she embarked on the adventure in the summer of 2023, she who had stopped her career in September 2021. “But we still hope to vibrate during these Worlds, in particular with Audrey Werro, underlines Léa Sprunger, who was going to see the ceremony in honor of Ditaji. Audrey has less pressure now, the medal is already there!”
