The weekend of 29-30th of June was reserved for the national championships. As the Olympic qualification deadline approached, the importance was even emphasized. A numerous group of our athletes, whether already qualified, or still fighting for the Games, was in action.
Among the best marks of the weekend stands the improved national record by Manolo Karalis. The Greek leaped leaped over 593 centimeters and showed a great potential towards Paris. Manolo´s friend, Miltos Tentoglou, the reigning Olympic champ dominated long jump with a mark of 8.42m. The wind reading, however, reached +2.3 m/s.
Another Olympic hope – Kristjan Čeh of Slovenia reached 67.88 meters in discus throw and claimed his sixth national title. Also in Celje, the world indoor bronze medalist Lia Apostolovski won the high jump with 1.92.
At the British champs in Manchester, Phil Norman achieved an outstanding historical marks – he broke the CR and ran the fastest time by a British athlete over the 3000m steeplechase since 1992. His new lifetime best now stands at 8:18.65. Jessie Knight improved her season best by running 55.36 over 400m hurdles.
In Budapest, Boglárka Takács claimed the double in 100m and 200m. On Saturday she won over the shorter distance in 11.19, the next day she dropped a time of 23.21 in a strong headwind (-2.9). Attila Molnár went for the double as well. Beside winning the 400m in 45.40, he also tested his speed in 200m, improving his personal best, now standing at 20.84.
Slovaks Ján Volko and Viktória Forster shocked the crowd with a fast 100m times. While Ján set a new SB of 10.17, Viktoria´s 11.13 was affected by ilegal wind velocity. Her 12.83 in the 100m hurdles was recognised as valid.
Karolína Maňasová of Czechia set a new 100m CR of 11.21 and claimed her maiden outdoor national title.
Canadian Camryn Rogers, the reigning world champion, obliterared the women´s hammer throw with a mark of 75.05 meters.
Congratulations.
Photo: Kristián Kováč
