Latvian javelin throwers compete at European Athletics Championships

At the European Athletics Championships in Birmingham, Latvian javelin throwers Patriks Gailums and Anete Sietiņa achieved contrasting results during the qualification rounds.

Patriks Gailums secured a place in the main competition after finishing ninth overall among 29 athletes. In Group A, Gailums recorded a best throw of 79.61 meters, which was the sixth-best result in his group. To qualify for the finals, athletes needed to reach 82 meters or be among the top 12 performers.

In contrast, world vice-champion Anete Sietiņa struggled in the qualification rounds. Her best throw was 56.24 meters, placing her seventh in Group A. Sietiņa, who has been dealing with a back injury and a difficult season, indicated that her result likely would not be enough to advance to the finals, which require a minimum of 61 meters or a top 12 ranking.

Another Latvian javelin thrower, Krišjānis Suntažs, withdrew from the competition due to a shoulder injury sustained during training.