Topi Parviai was not excited, even though the gold was finally secured only on Thursday.
Topi Parviainen got gold and new friends from the competition trip. MVPHOTOS
A javelin thrower who turns 16 in September Top Parviainen dazzled at the Under-18 European Championships in Jerusalem on Wednesday when he threw a new European record of 84.52 to win.
The media attention to the victory rose to new levels when the competition jury made a decision that surprised the athletics crowd: the Dutchman, who finished third in the competition, was allowed to throw one final throw again on Thursday, because the measurers had made a mistake on one throw on Wednesday.
However, Parviainen’s best curve on Wednesday was in its own class, and the possibility of losing the gold medal was mostly theoretical.
– I wasn’t worried if the Dutchman would pass. I knew he wouldn’t throw that far, Parviainen said.
On the sports line
The results of Parviainen’s winning streak were 72.53–66.20–X–X–75.98–84.52.
With the last throw, the young man’s own record was also improved by almost 10 meters. A 700-gram spear is used in the age group.
– I knew that when I get the javelin in position, there is a chance to throw 80 meters. But I didn’t believe it for such a long time, Parviainen surprised himself.
– Keiäs did start in an incredibly good position. That’s what I was waiting for the whole race.
Parviainen, who will start sports high school in Joensuu in the fall, is serious about sports.
– Javelin throwing is pretty much number one in life.
As can be seen from the video published by the European Athletics Federation, the togetherness and encouragement of the Finns was in good shape at the Games.
Parviainen took more than gold with him from the trip.
– It’s been a great trip. I have met many people and made many new friends. It’s been a nice trip.