'She'll sit it out': Much fuss: Fallen Meyer criticizes European champion Krause

Lea Meyer, the German steeplechase runner, expressed frustration and criticism towards European champion Gesa Krause following her own fourth-place finish in the 3,000m final at the European Athletics Championships in Birmingham. Meyer, who had set a strong pace for much of the race, felt she was deserving of a medal.

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I think I deserved the medal.

"I think I deserved the medal," Meyer stated, indicating her belief in her performance. She specifically called out Krause's race strategy, noting that Krause largely stayed in the pack. "Gesa just doesn't want to do any meters, she'll sit it out and run from behind," Meyer commented, suggesting Krause's approach was passive until the final sprint.

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Gesa just doesn't want to do any meters, she'll sit it out and run from behind.

Meyer's race ended in disappointment when she fell at the last water jump, causing her to lose ground and ultimately finish behind bronze medalist Olivia Gürth. This incident echoes a similar fall at the water jump during the 2022 World Championships. Despite the setback, Meyer remains defiant, declaring, "The best competitors won today." She asserted her own capability, stating, "I consider myself the best steeplechase runner in Europe in terms of performance."

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I'm angry, very, very angry with myself. I brought this upon myself.

Looking ahead, Meyer announced ambitious goals, aiming for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. "At the latest in LA, I will be there as the German record holder," she declared. Her personal best stands at 9:09.13, while Krause's German record is 9:03.30, set in 2019. The French athlete Alice Finot secured the silver medal.

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Today the best competitors won.