Anita Włodarczyk, 41, qualified for the women's hammer throw final at the European Athletics Championships in Birmingham after a nervous wait to see if her mark would hold.
In the men's hammer earlier in the day, only Paweł Fajdek of Poland advanced from qualifying. Title defender Wojciech Nowicki, returning from injury, finished 13th and was eliminated.
Women's qualifying groups
The qualifying standard was set at 71.50 meters, with the top 12 also advancing. In Group A, Aleksandra Śmiech opened with 68.93m, her best mark, added 68.56m, then fouled her third attempt to finish fifth in her group. Denmark's Katrine Koch Jacobsen topped the group with 72.62m on her final throw after fouling her first. Norway's Beatrice Nedberge Llano was second with 72.09m on her opening attempt, and Finland's Krista Tervo was third with 70.42m.
Włodarczyk's final-round drama
In Group B, Włodarczyk opened with 67.64m, good for ninth overall, while Ewa Różańska fouled her first attempt. Finland's Silja Kosonen qualified with a single throw. Różańska managed 65.24m in round two, while Włodarczyk slipped to 66.78m, dropping to 11th overall. Różańska then fouled her third attempt and was eliminated. Włodarczyk responded with 68.70m to finish 11th and secure her spot in the final, alongside Śmiech, whose 68.93m placed her ninth. The women's hammer final is scheduled for Wednesday, August 12, at 20:45.
