Swirling rain may have engulfed the men’s 400m hurdles final, but the Letzigrund Stadium generated a level of heat and noise not previously witnessed this week as Kariem Hussein delivered the host nation’s first gold – indeed, its first medal – of these European Athletics Championships.
Hussein held off the challenge of Estonia’s event favourite Rasmus Magi to cross the line in a personal best of 48.96 his face was contorted with joy which was mirrored by the packed, flag-waving stands around him.
Asked to comment on his Championship flourish by the trackside interviewer, this 25-year-old from Munsterlingen probably voiced the emotions of the majority of those spectating as he responded with a mighty roar of triumph.
Given the benefit of a little extra time after his triumph – which was the first track gold for Switzerland in these Championships since Phillipe Clerc’s in the 1969 Athens 200m – Hussein was able to articulate more fully to the media throng. And he revealed that the level of support offered by the home crowd had moved him to tears even before he began running.
“This is an awesome crowd!” he exclaimed.”! I ran a fantastic time, under 49 seconds, a new PB, and got the gold - I am more than satisfied. I still do not get it.
“My start was good, I controlled my rhythm, I stayed relaxed, I was patient, I waited and then I attacked. It is incredible, I still am searching for the right words, I am speechless. You cannot plan such a thing in advance, you cannot think it in advance. At the moment, all this feels really strange to me. I am tremendously happy, but all my emotions went into the race.
“I wanted it soooo much. I still cannot grab it, I cannot realize it. Normally I am not that emotional but at the start when the audience supported me so much I had tears in my eyes. But now, strangely enough, I feel empty. I told you that I would get both - the gold medal and a new PB - and when I say something, I will also do it.”
The way he has set about his business here in the Letzigrund this week has offered a clear example of a man set on a mission, as the bronze medallist, Russia’s Boris Kudryavtsev, confirmed after the final: “When we were watching Hussein with my coach and analysing the race, he was the main favourite for us. His technique and his speed looks very good.”
It was an analysis which proved to be correct.
As he rose to the podium amid a storm of noise and an electric storm of flashing cameras, and the anthem started up, accompanied by many voices, this not-normally-emotional man bowed his head and covered his eyes. He left the podium kissing his medal as the crowd began the steady cry of “Kariem, Kariem, Kariem…” A moment he will never forget.