Sara Kolak is the European champion again after a decade-long wait for a major medal, mirroring her Olympic triumph in Rio de Janeiro. She secured the title with a throw of 62.43 meters in Birmingham, her first major medal since winning gold in Rio 10 years ago. Kolak also won bronze at the 2016 European Championships and has two fourth-place finishes at major events. Germany's Julia Ulbricht took silver and Serbia's Adriana Vilagoš won bronze. The article also mentions a quote from Zlatko Dalić, but the content is not provided.

Croatian javelin thrower Sara Kolak has reclaimed her status as a European champion, securing the title in Birmingham with a dominant performance. Kolak's winning throw of 62.43 meters, achieved in the first series of the final, proved insurmountable for her competitors.

This victory is particularly significant for Kolak, as it marks her first medal at a major international competition in exactly a decade. Her previous career highlight was her Olympic gold medal win in Rio de Janeiro. The 31-year-old athlete's performance in Birmingham was on par with her season's best, demonstrating her consistent form.

Kolak's journey to this European title includes a bronze medal from the 2016 European Championships in Amsterdam. She has also achieved two fourth-place finishes at major events, including the 2017 World Championships in London and the 2024 Olympics in Paris. Her consistent presence at the top level of the sport underscores her enduring talent and dedication.

The silver medal went to Germany's Julia Ulbricht with a throw of 61.53 meters, while Serbia's Adriana Vilagoš took bronze with 60.93 meters. Kolak's triumph is a testament to her resilience and skill in a highly competitive field.