Golden Croatian follows European title with another strong Diamond League showing

Croatian javelin thrower Sara Kolak, the newly crowned European champion, achieved a fifth-place finish at the Diamond League meeting in Lausanne on August 21, 2026. Kolak's best throw in Lausanne measured 59.77 meters, a distance considerably shorter than her victorious performance at the European Championships in Birmingham just days prior.

In Lausanne, Kolak's throw placed her behind several competitors. The event was won by Japan's Olympic champion Haruka Kitaguchi with a throw of 64.90 meters. Colombia's Flor Deniz Ruiz Hurtado secured second place with 64.29 meters, followed by Serbia's Adriana Vilagoš in third with 62.28 meters. Australia's Mackenzie Little also finished ahead of Kolak, taking fourth place with 61.13 meters.

Kolak's performance in Lausanne marks a notable achievement following her significant European title. While the distance was less than her championship throw, securing a fifth-place position in a top-tier Diamond League event demonstrates her continued competitiveness on the international stage. The event also featured other notable athletes, highlighting the high level of competition in the discipline.