"A tactically perfect race, I would say. I ran with confidence and knew I was in good shape. So once I got to the front, no one really challenged me, but I had a pretty good ride from four laps to go and into the finish line," he said.
Pihlström won his trial heat at the competition in Toruń, Poland, in 3:43.38. That's about ten seconds slower than when he set a personal best in Toruń in February.
The final will be decided on Sunday.
I don't think it's unreasonable to say that I'm aiming for a medal. It's a small margin, but the way I ran today, it's clear that I'll be in the medal conversation.
Wilma Nielsen did not advance to the final of the women's 1,500 meters after finishing fifth in her preliminary heat.
