CHORZOW, Poland (June 20) – Azerbaijan’s Hanna Skydan delivered an impressive performance in the women’s Hammer Throw on the opening day of the 3rd Division of the European Athletics Team Championships Silesia 2023 held in Silesia. Skydan dominated the event with a remarkable throw of 71.69 meters on Tuesday.
Initially, Skydan found herself in second place after her opening throw of 61.05m, with Ireland’s Nicola Tuthill taking the lead by setting a new national U23 record of 67.85m.
However, Skydan swiftly responded in the second round with a throw of 66.47m to improve on her effort from the round. She then solidified her lead with a launch of 69.88m in the third round to take the lead for good.
In the final round, the experienced 31-year-old showcased her best form, unleashing a season-best throw of 71.69m to secure a stylish victory. – Read more: Deanna Price throws 77.25m, wins Hammer at Iron Wood Throws Classic
“It was a nice competition, I like the atmosphere in this stadium,” said Skydan. In the last couple of seasons I had some problems, now I am feeling better. But although I compete for Azerbaijan, I live in Ukraine and we have a war going on, so I feel sad for Ukraine and Kiiv.”
Although Skydan’s personal best stands at 75.29m from 2021, this marked the first time she surpassed the 70-meter mark this season.
Meanwhile, Nicola Tuthill, representing Ireland, continued her outstanding form by throwing another personal best of 67.85m, setting an Irish U23 record for the third time this season.
“I feel very good! My throws were reallly consistent and I´ve improved my PB,” an elated Tuthill said. “So far our start as national team is brilliant and we´re all hoping that more success will come tomorrow. We´re rooting for the promotion!
Bettina Weber from Austria claimed the third spot with a throw of 59.09m, rounding off the podium finishes. – Read Also: Day 1 standings: Division 3 European Athletics Team Championships
The competition took place under sunny conditions, with temperatures ranging from 28°C at the start of the event to 29°C by the end.
Women’s Hammer Throw event at the European Athletics Team Championships on 20th June 2023:
WOMEN’S HAMMER THROW – DIV 3
- Hanna Skydan (AZE) – 71.69m (SB)
- Nicola Tuthill (IRL) – 67.85m (National U23 Record)
- Bettina Weber (AUT) – 59.09m
- Evgenia Zabolotni (ISR) – 54.94m
- Nino Tsikvadze (GEO) – 53.52m (SB)
- Ajla Basic (BIH) – 53.14m
- Mireya Cassar (MLT) – 50.26m
- Zhanna Shahnazaryan (ARM) – 48.58m (SB)
- Ana Bokovic (MNE) – 43.67m (SB)
- Tea Aleksovska (MKD) – 31.20m (SB)
- Dolça Fajardo Casanova (AND) – 23.70m (SB)
