Sofie Dokter from Groningen won a silver medal in the heptathlon during the European Under-23 Championship on Friday. The title was for the Finnish Saga Vanninen.
The 20-year-old heptathlete still led the standings in Espoo, Finland, after the first day and four parts. However, she saw her main competitor Vanninen take the lead on day two. Dokter, who is affiliated with Groningen Athletics, performed less well than the Finnish athlete in the long jump (5.95 metres) and the javelin throw (41.82 metres).
The Groningen woman, who had previously set personal records in the high jump and shot put, did not repeat those feats in the long jump and javelin throw. As a result, Dokter entered the final 800 meters trailing Vanninen by 100 points. She could not make up for that difference despite winning the last heat in a personal best of 2.15.84.
The Finnish became European champion with 6317 points, followed by Dokter with 6256 points. The bronze was with 6002 points for Pippi Lotta Enok from Estonia. The second Dutch heptathlete Sophia Mulder could not break any pots. She was knocked out on the second day in the long jump, where she had no valid jump and therefore no points.