Slovak hammer-thrower, Libor Charfreitag, made sports history yesterday, 28 July, at the Estadio Olimpico stadium in Barcelona by winning Slovakia’s first ever European title as he took gold medal. His best result to date was when he won the world bronze back in 2007.
Charfreitag’s winning throw of 80m 2 cm was almost 1 metre further than his nearest rival, thereby sealing Slovakia’s first ever European Championship medal since it became independent.
“To win the gold is a reward for many years of hard work,” he said. “Technically, I really messed up, but what counts is the result.” The Hungarian team protested against his winning throw, saying he had stepped out of the circle. The appeal was rejected, however, as the judges analysed the videos and ruled his throw as valid.