Dutch athletes end drought in women’s shot put in Munich, achieving first two medals in event in meet history by capturing gold and bronze for their country; Former Virginia star Mihaljevic earns first men’s shot put crown for Croatia, with Turkey’s Can taking another women’s 10,000 title
By Erik Boal, DyeStat Editor
One of the busiest days in the young career of Jorinde van Klinken, a recent transfer to Oregon after winning three NCAA Division 1 titles at Arizona State, concluded with one of the most memorable showcases in the history of Dutch women’s track and field Monday at the European Athletics Championships at the Olympic Stadium in Munich, Germany.
After not earning a single medal in the women’s shot put in the previous 23 editions of the meet dating to 1938, the Netherlands earned a pair of podium finishes, with 23-year-old Jessica Schilder capturing gold with a second-round mark of 66 feet, 5 inches (20.24m) and van Klinken, 22, completing a challenging schedule with bronze following an outdoor personal-best 62-1.75 (18.94m) on her second attempt.
JOHN NEPOLITAN EVENING SESSION PHOTOS | JOHN NEPOLITAN MEN’S MARATHON PHOTOS | JOHN NEPOLITAN WOMEN’S MARATHON PHOTOS
“This is really like a dream and I did not expect this to happen at the end of the season,” said Schilder, who helped the Netherlands become the first country since 2010 to earn multiple medals in the women’s shot put.
“Today, I am especially happy for Jorinde, as she did a great job. I am so excited and glad to share the podium with her. It is just surreal what just happened. I tried to relax between the qualification and the final and my coach helped me a lot. It worked out and I am full of emotions now. It was nerve-racking and I am glad I managed it so well.”
Auriol Dongmo, the reigning World Indoor champion, secured silver with a Portuguese national record 65-0.50 (19.82m) in the second round.
Axelina Johansson of Nebraska, representing Sweden, finished seventh at 59-2.25 (18.04m).
In addition to the shot put final, van Klinken also participated Monday in discus qualifying and shot put prelims, before earning the third major international shot put medal of her career, along with a European U20 title in Sweden in 2019 and a bronze at the World U20 Championships in 2018 in Finland.
She also triumphed in March in the women’s shot put final with a lifetime-best 62-7.25 (19.08m) at the NCAA Division 1 Indoor Championships at the Birmingham CrossPlex in…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at RunnerSpace News…