Javelin thrower Julian Weber and sprinter Gina Lückenkemper confirmed their good form in the World Cup year at the Diamond League meeting in Lausanne.
On Friday (June 30th, 2023), European champion Weber took second place with 87.03 meters behind the Indian Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra, whose javelin flew at 87.66 meters.
The 28-year-old Weber, who led the competition in Switzerland for a long time, says he feels “in better shape than ever before”. He hopes to throw the 90 meters for the first time this year. Most recently, he had won at the start of the European Team Championships in Chorzow, Poland.
“I really wanted to win today, so it annoys me a bit,” said Weber on “Sky”. “I was 90 in my body today. Nevertheless, I’m satisfied with second place.”
The next important stage on the way to the World Championships from August 19th to 27th in Budapest are the German Championships on July 8th and 9th in Kassel. Weber wants to win his third German championship title there.
Lückenkemper sprints to third place
Double European champion Gina Lückenkemper was happy about the next podium place. After second place at the meeting in Florence, the 26-year-old from SSC Berlin took third place in the 100 meters in 11.17 seconds. Victory again went to Marie Josée Ta Lou (Ivory Coast/10.89).
“I can be very satisfied with third place. But it was a very mixed race,” said Lückenkemper. Now look ahead. “The next task for me are the German championships.” At the high point of the season in Budapest, Lückenkemper wants to reach the final.
Next meeting in Stockholm
The European Championship second Lea Meyer from ASV Köln entered the season over 3000 meters obstacle as eighth. 9:20.36 minutes was the second fastest time of her career. She was only faster in her surprising EM silver in Munich last year.
It continues on Sunday in Stockholm. Then, among other things, Konstanze Klosterhalfen will start the season over 5000 meters and the next form check for long jump Olympic champion Malaika Mihambo.