Two Lithuanian pentathletes reach World Junior Championship final

Lithuanian pentathletes M. Rutkauskaitė and G. Pečiulytė have secured their spots in the World Junior Championship final, marking a significant achievement for the athletes and the sport in Lithuania.

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I was thinking I was running tenth, but when I heard I was ninth, I cried, knelt down, and couldn't believe it, tears are still welling up.

Rutkauskaitė's journey to the final was a dramatic one. After a challenging performance in the qualifying rounds, she initially thought she had missed out on a final spot, believing she had finished tenth. However, upon realizing she had secured the ninth and final qualifying position, she was overcome with emotion. "I was thinking I was running tenth, but when I heard I was ninth, I cried, knelt down, and couldn't believe it, tears are still welling up," she said immediately after crossing the finish line. Rutkauskaitė reflected on a season that, despite not being her best, was free of injuries. She had previously missed the final at a championship in Barcelona, making this qualification even more meaningful. "I tried very hard this season, I'm glad I didn't have injuries. However, the season wasn't the best, things didn't go as I wanted in competitions. A few weeks ago at the championship in Barcelona, I didn't even make it to the final, it was very sad, but I told my coach that I would try at the World Championship. I am very happy that I will be able to represent Lithuania in the final," she stated.

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I tried very hard this season, I'm glad I didn't have injuries. However, the season wasn't the best, things didn't go as I wanted in competitions. A few weeks ago at the championship in Barcelona, I didn't even make it to the final, it was very sad, but I told my coach that I would try at the World Championship. I am very happy that I will be able to represent Lithuania in the final.

Pečiulytė, who trains alongside Rutkauskaitė, also advanced to the final from her semifinal, finishing in 7th place. She expressed her relief and happiness, acknowledging the pressure but ultimately enjoying the moment. "I wasn't sure inside that I would make it to the final, but I saw that I was running well, I tried to enjoy the moment. That, along with the support of my parents and relatives, helped me reach the final. I'm very glad it worked out," Pečiulytė shared. Both athletes will compete among 18 finalists on Monday. The competition also includes upcoming semifinal matches for the men's under-22 category, with Liutauras Valeika representing Lithuania, and qualification events for the girls' under-17 category.

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I wasn't sure inside that I would make it to the final, but I saw that I was running well, I tried to enjoy the moment. That, along with the support of my parents and relatives, helped me reach the final. I'm very glad it worked out.