Nadine Visser finally claims first European title after decade of waiting

Nadine Visser finally captured her first European outdoor title in the 100-meter hurdles, securing a dramatic victory by the narrowest of margins in Birmingham. The stadium announcer noted the long wait for this moment, a sentiment echoed by Visser herself. The race was so close that a photo finish was required, with Visser, Pia Skrzyszowska of Poland, Laeticia Bapté of France, and Ditaji Kambundji of Switzerland all vying for the win.

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You had to wait a long time for this.

Visser's start was poor, but she mounted a comeback mid-race, clearing the final hurdle in the lead. However, Skrzyszowska surged at the finish line, making the outcome uncertain until the official results were displayed. Visser was declared the winner by one-thousandth of a second, finally achieving the individual medal she had long sought in the 100m hurdles.

This triumph marks the end of a decade of near misses at major championships for the 31-year-old Visser. Despite being one of the world's top hurdlers, with indoor European gold and World silver medals, an individual outdoor European medal in her signature event had eluded her. She had finished fourth or fifth at consecutive Olympic Games and European Championships, often hampered by injuries and illness in key years.

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I had to wait a very long time for this.

"I had to wait a very long time for this," Visser said, clutching a crown given to her by a fan. She admitted to years of frustration, knowing she was often the best European but facing setbacks at the continental championships. This year, a heel injury threatened her participation, and she trained on a stationary bike as a precaution on race day. "It's just very nice that it worked out," she added, contemplating if this victory represents the fulfillment of her career.

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Maybe this is the fulfillment of my career, but I just have to let it sink in. It's especially very nice that it worked out.