Germany’s Aileen Kuhn delivered a dominant display to win gold in the women’s hammer at the European Athletics U23 Championships in Bergen on Friday, producing a lifetime best and European U23 lead of 72.53m in one of the most competitive finals of the day.
Bergen 2025 is being live streamed on the European Athletics website courtesy of Eurovision Sport.
The final burst into life immediately with Cyprus’ Valentina Savva opening the competition in style. The 20-year-old, and reigning European U20 champion, launched the hammer out to 70.05m in round one — a national U23 and senior record, making her the first Cypriot woman to surpass the 70-metre line.
Ireland’s Nicola Tuthill, fresh from her historic win in this age-group at the European Throwing Cup in March, was quick to respond. She slotted into second place early on with 67.75m, while Sweden’s Malin Garbell briefly held third with 65.10m before teammate Thea Löfman nudged ahead with 66.85m in round two.
However the dynamics shifted dramatically as Kuhn, who had fouled her opener, found her footing. A clean second-round effort of 69.14m launched her into medal territory, though Tuthill responded immediately with 69.84m, edging her back into second.
The third round saw more fireworks — Savva returned to form after a foul with 69.63m, only for Kuhn to unleash a monster 71.70m to finally seize the lead. And in round four, Kuhn extended her grip on gold with a stunning personal best of 72.53m, the top mark of the competition.
Not to be outdone, Tuthill once again rose to the challenge, improving to 70.90m in the fourth round to cement her place in second. Savva, determined to respond, delivered another national record of 70.22m in the fifth round, but it wasn’t enough to overhaul the Irishwoman.
With three athletes over 70 metres and all three medals decided by national records or personal bests, the women’s hammer final lived up to its billing — and then some.
Kuhn's victory also continued the German dominance in the heavy throws at the championships with her win following clean sweeps in both the women's shot put and men's discus.
