Croatian Ema Troglić wins javelin silver at European U18 Championships

Croatian athlete Ema Troglić secured a silver medal in the javelin throw at the European Athletics U18 Championships in Rieti, Italy. Troglić's personal best of 56.40 meters, achieved in her fourth attempt, propelled her to second place after a challenging start to the competition.

“

I have no words, I am very happy. Honestly, I am surprised, but in a positive way. Given how the competition started, I didn't expect to throw so far.

Initially ranking eighth after the first three rounds, Troglić found the motivation to surpass her previous record by nearly four meters. "I have no words, I am very happy. Honestly, I am surprised, but in a positive way," Troglić stated. "Given how the competition started, I didn't expect to throw so far." She added, "I needed extra motivation, so I told myself: 'You can do it!'" The throw not only secured her the silver medal but also marked the best feeling of her career so far.

Great Britain's Lucy Bull claimed the European title with a throw of 56.60 meters, also a personal best set in the fifth round. Another Croatian competitor, Lina Filipović, finished fifth with a throw of 53.03 meters. Other Croatian athletes also competed, with Lucija Saračević taking 19th in the 5000m race walk and Sara Delić finishing 13th in the 3000m. The Croatian women's 100-200-300-400m relay team placed 21st.

“

I needed extra motivation, so I told myself: 'You can do it!' In the fourth series, I surpassed my personal record by almost four meters, which was enough for the silver medal. It was a great feeling, the best in my career so far. I hope there will be more.

This silver medal marks Croatia's ninth medal at the European U18 Championships. The nation's previous medals include two golds, two silvers, and five bronzes from various athletes.

“

I am grateful to my coach Matija Jakopec, as well as to all my fans. I am just happy and satisfied, for the first time in my life I feel this kind of satisfaction after a competition. I don't have anything I would change right now.