Athletics: Javelin thrower Weber wins European Championship gold - Silver for Thumm

Spear thrower Julian Weber clinched the European Championship gold medal with his very last attempt, successfully defending his title from four years ago. Despite battling shoulder problems throughout the season, the 31-year-old launched the spear an impressive 90.40 meters to secure victory.

Weber's dramatic final throw edged out his compatriot Nick Thumm, who had led the competition until that point with a throw of 83.76 meters. Thumm's surprising silver medal completed a remarkable one-two finish for Germany in the event. Rio Olympic champion Thomas Röhler had been eliminated in the qualification round.

Bronze went to Latvia's Patriks Gallums with a throw of 82.97 meters, just centimeters ahead of Poland's Dawid Wegner. Weber, who only began his season in mid-July due to his shoulder issues, had previously achieved a European season's best of 87.04 meters in Lucerne. He secured his spot in the final with his first throw in qualification, conserving energy for the medal competition. While Weber has achieved European success, he is still seeking his first medal at the World Championships or Olympic Games.