Moser Wins European Pole Vault Gold, Praises Rival Heltelä's Comeback

Angelica Moser of Switzerland claimed the European Championship title in pole vault, narrowly defeating Finland's Wilma Heltelä in a closely contested final. Moser secured gold with a jump of 4.80 meters, while Heltelä earned silver, finishing five centimeters short of the winning height.

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She jumped really well! It's great to have her back in that shape. I won in 2024 and she in 2022, and now we were finally both in good shape competing.

Following the competition, Moser expressed admiration for Heltelä's performance, particularly her strong comeback after facing significant challenges in recent years. "She jumped really well! It's great to have her back in that shape. I won in 2024 and she in 2022, and now we were finally both in good shape competing," Moser said, speaking in English to a Finnish journalist. Moser, who is one year older than Heltelä, has known the Finnish vaulter since their junior years.

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She (Heltelä) put quite a lot of pressure on me when she always cleared first. But it also motivated me. She pushed me higher, which is a great aspect of this sport.

Moser acknowledged the pressure Heltelä applied during the competition. "She (Heltelä) put quite a lot of pressure on me when she always cleared first. But it also motivated me. She pushed me higher, which is a great aspect of this sport," Moser commented. She also noted Heltelä's strength as a championship performer, stating, "I knew she could do it. She is a really strong championship jumper."

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I knew she could do it. She is a really strong championship jumper.

Finnish athletics expert Lauri Hollo also lauded Heltelä's performance, calling it a "great performance all around." Hollo emphasized the significance of her silver medal, considering her struggles a year ago. "Nobody would have probably believed a year ago that she would be fighting for the European Championship here. She put herself together in a tremendous way," Hollo stated. Heltelä cleared every height up to 4.75 meters on her first attempt, demonstrating consistency and mental fortitude throughout the final.

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Great performance all around, especially considering the situation Heltelä was in a year ago. Nobody would have probably believed a year ago that she would be fighting for the European Championship here. She put herself together in a tremendous way.