Ronald Schröer from Egmond aan den Hoef finished 42nd at the European Championships in Athletics. The North Hollander ran a time of 2 hours 19 minutes and 40 seconds. In the women’s race, Jill Holterman was 21st in a time of 2:35:25. Bo Ummels from Heiloo became 52nd in 3.00.56.
Schröer had indicated in advance that he was satisfied with a top 20 listing. So he didn’t make it.
Historic bronze
Nienke Brinkman caused a huge sensation. The Dutch athlete took bronze in a time of 2.28.52. It was the first time that a Dutch woman took a medal of honor in the marathon. For Brinkman it was also her first international tournament. Gold went to the Polish Aleksandra Lisowska and silver went to Matea Parlov Kostro.
Heat
The heat was feared in Munich in advance, but on match day it turned out not to be too bad. A number of athletes had called for the competition to be brought forward by letter. That was not done. Schröer did not sign that letter. “You know it’s going to get hot and you’ve known that for more than a year. You can also train on that. I didn’t sign that letter either,” said Schröer.