Gudžius defends teammate Alekna: 'Should he stop competing?'

Lithuanian discus thrower Andrius Gudžius defended his teammate Martynas Alekna, who finished last in the European Championships final, urging critics to consider the young athlete's future.

Gudžius, a 35-year-old former world and European champion, placed ninth with a throw of 63.99 meters. He expressed disappointment with his performance, admitting it was not impressive and fell short of his goal to finish in the top six. "Such an ugly 9th place, like 4th or 12th places," he stated, adding that he did what he could.

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What, should he stop competing, give up everything? Come on, everything is ahead of him.

He then turned his attention to the 25-year-old Martynas Alekna, who finished 12th with a throw of 59.56 meters. "What, should he stop competing, give up everything?" Gudžius asked rhetorically. "Come on, everything is ahead of him."

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As soon as there are no medals, they quickly crucify you.

Gudžius also reflected on the public's fickle nature, noting how quickly achievements are forgotten in Lithuania. "As soon as there are no medals, they quickly crucify you," he said. He challenged critics to try competing themselves, emphasizing the unforgiving nature of sport where performance on a single day dictates public perception.

When asked about his own future, Gudžius acknowledged that two years, which once seemed like a lifetime, now feel significant at 36. He plans to attempt the high qualifying standard for the World Championships but remains uncertain about his success.

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Such an ugly 9th place, like 4th or 12th places. Realistically what I could do, I did.