In the opening throw of the competition Jorinde van Klinken set what proved to be an unbeatable mark of 67.67m to instantly assert her dominance over the rest of the field and eventually take gold.
In summary:
- Jorinde van Klinken adds discus gold to her shot put silver in incredible style
- Shanice Craft takes silver after three bronze medals at past championships
- Vanessa Kamga takes maiden European Athletics Championships medal
Having taken silver in the shot put on the opening night of the championships van Klinken was determined to upgrade to gold, and that was clear from the moment she stepped onto the track.
The Dutch star joined the group of athletes that have donned shiny sunglasses these championships as she made her way round to the discus circle round past the thousands of athletics fans.
Then in the opening round she unleashed her winning throw, immediately setting the tone of the rest of the competition.
Meanwhile a few of the women clustered around the 63 to 64 metre area in round one, including Shanice Craft, Vanessa Kamga, Alida van Daalen, and Marija Tolj.
As the competition progressed van Klinken added 64.59 and 65.96m to her scorecard, the second of which would also have been enough to take the gold.
In the third round Craft improved to her best throw of 65.72m, while Kamga’s best of 64.61m followed shortly after in the fourth round.
Just 1.56m separated Kamga in third and Tolj in sixth, with the Netherlands’ van Daalen and Germany’s Kristin Pudenz narrowly missing out on having two of their countrywomen on the podium.
Amongst the chaotic aftermath of the women’s 800m, the women’s discus medallists were finishing their lap of honour and soaking up their last moments on the track here in Birmingham in front of more than 23,000 people.
Van Klinken, potentially inspired to take up a third event, took the opportunity to run and dip across the line to the cheers of the fans sat at the finish line as she embraced her first major title.
What they said…
Jorinde van Klinken: “This is incredible. To have such an amazing start on Monday with the silver in the shot put, that was already really special. To then get another medal, and for it to be a gold and to be European champion, means everything. It's always easier to go to a championship when your technique is solid, as if it's not, it is kind of a guessing game if it's going to happen on the day. I think the shot put was really good and I was crazy happy I managed to get a good performance. Here, I just needed to do what I'm capable of. Two different stories, both amazing outcomes: what a week. I obviously haven't really won on this level before, I collected a lot of silvers so far, so it feels so good to be on top. To go in as a favourite is never easy, so to make it happen and to do it is a great feeling. I think it will take me a minute to realise what all happened this week. It's been a crazy week, with two really good competitions. Any medal at this level is pretty insane, so to get two is even nicer. To do it again, for the second championships in a row, is crazy. There's been a lot of discussion about me doing the combination of discus and shot put, and I am sure people will keep on asking about it. I think, with these results, we can close that chapter, that discussion. I think I am absolute world class in both events and these medals go to show that. I have proved it is possible. I'm still young, too, so I'm sure it will only get better.”
Shanice Craft: “It is awesome. I already had three bronze medals and the goal was to get the gold. It is silver and it is very good. I always wanted to throw a little bit further but it was a very good competition for me and I will get the gold next time. Every medal is special but this one is even more special. It took me many years to win this one I think I had to work the hardest for this. It will have a special place for me. It definitely goes to my mum, who raised me on her own and made it possible for me to do sport. She always came with me to the competitions. She is 100% behind me, she is always there. I was very smooth and relaxed but the last point of the throw was missing. I did not get my full energy on the discus. I could have gone a little bit further but it is a good result. I am fine with the silver. I saw the men’s 200m final [which Germany’s Owen Ansah won] and it gave me a lot of positive energy.”
Vanessa Kamga: “It was amazing out there tonight. I had my friends and family out there supporting me. They've come all the way from way up north near the Arctic circle. They have come down her to celebrate this big moment for me. Now I am just going to scream when I see them and give them all a big hug. I felt in my best shape ever and did my best competition ever. I am really proud of the way I have competed here on a big stage where it counts. I went to the Olympics ranked 28th and came out fifth, went in number eight at the Tokyo Worlds and came out fourth and now, here, I came in number six and came out with a bronze. I am so proud of the way I compete.”