Track and field events - Mihambo's the favorite in the European Championship final, with Weber remaining a tough competitor.
Malaika Mihambo penned "Best Mood" following her impressive performance at the Olympic Stadium in Rome and signed autographs for her fans. The 30-year-olds first 7-meter leap of the year landed her among the favorites to win her second European Championship title at 8:24 pm (German TV: ZDF), due to her remarkable 7.03-metre jump during the qualifying round. With most of the audience absent, a few fans arrived to get an autograph from the Olympic and two-time world champion.
Likewise, Julian Weber, the title defender, qualified for the competition two years after his triumph in Munich, recording the best distance of 85.01 meters. Nevertheless, he experienced two less-than-impressive throws in the first qualifying round. Moreover, the four German relay teams also made it through Tuesday's competition, raising the hopes of winning additional medals. 800-meter runner Majtie Kolberg also presented quiet hopes for a medal.
Mihambo bounces back from injury
The unforgettable performance by the accomplished athlete Mihambo took spotlight as she demonstrated flair. A year following her 2019 World Championship injury, resulting in humiliation, Mihambo returned in style, eager to win an alleged second European Championship title. Confident in her capabilities, she intended to perform exceptionally well and achieved her desired 7-metre leap.
Mihambo made it clear, "I was aware that my form was good. That's why I knew it would go well." Her joy stemmed not only from her successful jump but also reaching the essential distance in the first attempt. She plans to replicate the 7-metre jump in the final, determined to avoid satisfaction from her win by starting strongly and showcasing her capabilities.
Weber surpasses required distance in qualification
Javelin throwers Julian Weber and rising talent Max Dehning, both Germans, found themselves in contention for medals in the European Championships on Wednesday. Weber, despite his relatively weak jumps of 78.76 and 80.18 meters, rectified his errors with a remarkable 85.01 meter leap, surpassing the 82.00-meter requirement.
Weber reflected, "I was somewhat too composed. I thought I could easily cast 82 meters with a clean, flawless toss." He later decided, "Now I can let loose right away; I'll approach things seriously." Meanwhile, 90-meter thrower Max Dehning made it to the qualifying round with his 80.52-meter toss.
German sprinters as underdogs in finals
German sprinters ventured into the competition as underdogs, as they were defending champions like their male counterparts. In spite of their victory in the preliminary round, their chances of winning additional medals seemed slim.
