Rugilė Miklyčiūtė reaches European Championship final: rivals and expectations

Lithuanian pole vaulter Rugilė Miklyčiūtė has successfully advanced to the final of the European Championships, marking a significant achievement for the debutant. The 21-year-old athlete secured her spot by clearing heights of 4.10m, 4.25m, and 4.40m in Group B of the qualifying rounds.

Her performance at 4.40m placed her eighth overall among the qualifiers, earning her a place in the final twelve. Miklyčiūtė made two attempts at 4.50m but was unsuccessful, though a third attempt was not needed to secure her final berth.

In the final, scheduled for the evening of August 13th, Miklyčiūtė will compete against a strong field of 12 athletes. Based on season-best performances, she is ranked sixth among the finalists. Notable competitors include Switzerland's Angelica Moser, the top-ranked pole vaulter in Europe, and Finland's Wilma Heltelä, both of whom have cleared heights above 4.80m this season.

Other medal contenders include France's Marie-Julie Bonnin and Estonia's Marleen Miulla. Miklyčiūtė's personal best this season is 4.10m, achieved during qualifications, while her overall personal record stands at 4.40m. The final promises to be a highly competitive event.