Weber's final throw snatches javelin gold at European Championships

German javelin thrower Julian Weber clinched the gold medal at the European Athletics Championships in Birmingham with a dramatic final throw. The 31-year-old athlete launched the spear 90.40 meters, securing his second European title and mirroring his victory from the 2018 championships held in Munich.

Weber's winning throw came on his final attempt, overcoming teammate Nick Thumm, who had led the competition until that point with a best of 83.76 meters. Thumm's surprising silver medal completed a strong one-two finish for Germany in the event.

Despite battling shoulder problems throughout the season, Weber managed to secure the victory. He had only entered the competition in mid-July, achieving a European season's best of 87.04 meters in Lucerne, Switzerland. In Birmingham, he advanced to the final on his first attempt in the qualification round, conserving energy for the medal competition.

Bronze went to Latvia's Patriks Gallums with a throw of 82.97 meters, narrowly beating Poland's Dawid Wegner by one centimeter. Rio Olympic champion Thomas Röhler did not advance past the qualification round.