Elina Tsengko has added another remarkable achievement to her illustrious career by becoming the European champion in the Women’s U23 javelin throw event with a throw of 60.73 metres in Espoo, Finland.
This remarkable performance secured Greece its first gold medal in the competition and marked the 13th gold in the country’s history.
It was also Greece’s first medal in women’s javelin throw, as the previous medals had been won by male athletes.
Under the guidance of coach George Botskariov, Elina Tsengko achieved this feat one year after winning the gold medal in the Women’s European Championships (Munich) and two years after securing medals in the World U20 Championships and the European U20 Championships.
Tsengko’s journey to victory required great determination, as she aimed not only for the gold medal but also for a throw beyond the 60-metre mark.
She started with a throw of 56.45 metres, followed by a null attempt. In her third attempt, she achieved 59.24 meters, securing the gold medal.
Tsengko then had two unsuccessful attempts that did not meet her desired standards.
Nonetheless, she celebrated her sixth attempt, which turned out to be the longest and secured her position at the top of the podium.
Meanwhile, the entire Greek team stood behind the javelin throw area, rejoicing in the success of their teammate.
The silver medal was claimed by Estonian athlete Tugiy with a throw of 57.62 metres, while Finnish athlete Anni Alenen took home the bronze with a distance of 56.67 metres.
Overall, Greece concluded its participation in the event with four medals, including one gold, one silver, and two bronze.
These achievements parallel the success of the Greek delegation that competed two years ago in Tallinn.
Elina Tsengko’s Accomplishments:
2022: 1st place, 65.81m, U23 European Championships, Munich
2021: 1st place, 61.18m/58.90m, European U20 Championships, Tallinn
2021: 2nd place, 59.60m, World U20 Championships, Nairobi
2019: 4th place, 53.99m/53.17m, European U20 Championships, Boras
2018: 1st place, 61.74m/63.34m, Youth Olympic Games, Buenos Aires
2018: 7th place, European U18 Championships, Gyor
Moreover, Christos Frantzeskakis finished fourth in the hammer throw event at the Diamond League in Silesia. Frantzeskakis claimed the fourth spot with a throw of 74.80 metres.
Despite narrowly missing the podium, Frantzeskakis delivered his best performance in the sixth attempt.
The athlete coached by Kostas Papamarkakis had valid throws at 73.54 metres, 74.77 metres, and 74.72 metres. The event was won by Wojciech Nowicki with a distance of 80.02 metres.
