Sensational European Championship bronze for Llano: – A dream

Beatrice Nedberge Llano has achieved a sensational bronze medal in the hammer throw at the European Championships in Birmingham, marking a historic moment for Norwegian athletics. The 28-year-old, who had never before reached a senior final, threw 72.88 meters on her first attempt, securing a medal that no Norwegian woman had previously won at a senior European or world championship.

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It is utopia. It is a dream.

Llano's mother, Ragnfrid, described the achievement as "utopia" and "a dream," expressing that it was beyond anything they had dared to imagine. The bronze medal throw of 72.88 meters came early in the competition, placing her behind gold medalist Silja Kosonen of Finland (76.28 meters) and silver medalist Sara Fantini of Italy (74.35 meters).

NRK expert Christina Vukicevic Demidov commented that "I don't think there is anyone who doesn't wish Beatrice this medal," highlighting the widespread support for her success. Llano had qualified directly for the final with a throw of 72.09 meters in her first attempt during the qualification round, exceeding the automatic qualifying mark of 71.50 meters.

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It is not something we would have dared to dream about.

Reflecting on her past performances, Llano told NRK after qualifying, "I have struggled in so many championships, and finally it worked. I have worked incredibly hard on my mental health, it is what has stopped me several times." Before the European Championships in Birmingham, Llano had competed in one Olympics, four World Championships, and two European Championships without advancing past the qualification rounds.

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I don't think there is anyone who doesn't wish Beatrice this medal.

This season, however, the 28-year-old has significantly elevated her performance, establishing a new personal best and Norwegian record of 73.21 meters in Greece in June. She has consistently delivered throws exceeding 72 meters. Despite a minor injury earlier in the season after being hit by a hammer during training, Llano made a swift recovery, leading to her most stable season at the senior level. Her junior career was also successful, with a silver medal at the U20 European Championships in 2015, a U20 World Championship title the following year, and a bronze at the U23 European Championships in 2017, culminating in her major senior breakthrough.

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I have struggled in so many championships, and finally it worked. I have worked incredibly hard on my mental health, it is what has stopped me several times.