Samuel Pihlström Prepares for Bauhaus Gala Showdown with Controversial Runner George Mills

Samuel Pihlström sharpens his elbows ahead of the Bauhaus Gala, where he will face the 'madman' from the Paris Olympics.

"He earned that reputation at the Olympics," says the Swede about the controversial runner George Mills.

Samuel Pihlström, 24, exudes confidence. Within a week, the Hälle runner has set two Swedish records—one in the mile and another in the 1500 meters.

"I have momentum now! Two Swedish records in the last two competitions. I will try to capitalize on it," says Pihlström ahead of the Bauhaus Gala in Stockholm.

The latest record came on Thursday at the Bislett Games in Oslo. However, Samuel Pihlström was not the only one to set a national record in Norway. Briton George Mills broke Mo Farah's 14-year-old record in the 5000 meters by seven seconds.

Clashed After the Finish: "Embarrassment"

On Sunday, the two record-setters, who share a history from last summer's Olympics in Paris, will meet again.

In Paris, the Briton was heavily criticized after being involved in several controversial incidents, including with Pihlström. In the 1500 meters heats, he jostled with the Swede, causing Pihlström to miss the semifinals by the narrowest margin.

In the 5000 meters, Mills then knocked over Frenchman Hugo Hay. After the finish, they ended up in a physical confrontation.

"Now we put him on a plane home. Embarrassment," expert Peter Häggström thundered against Mills in Max's broadcast then.

"It Wasn't Very Pretty"

Pihlström still believes the criticism against 'madman' Mills was justified.

"He earned that reputation at the Olympics. But I like Mills, he's a super nice guy. I personally have nothing against him, but I thought what he did at the Olympics was clumsy," he says.

Now, Pihlström doesn't think the incident with him was so serious. The argument with Hugo Hay was much worse.

"It wasn't very pretty. But that was then. I like Mills. He's a good guy."

How many incidents are there out there?

"You know some have sharper elbows and you should watch out for them. But it's part of the competition. You just have to accept it. You have to sharpen your elbows yourself," says Pihlström, adding that he should be tougher on the track.

On Sunday, Samuel Pihlström and George Mills will face each other again.

"I think he has straightened up after the Olympics," says Samuel Pihlström.