Lina Muse Photo: Zane Bitere / LETA
Līna Mūze won javelin throwing in the European Cup in Leiria on Saturday, reports the Latvian Athletics Union (LVS). The muse, which was the main favorite of the competition, won with a result of 58.12 meters in bad weather. Already with the first shot, she took the lead – 57.56 meters. The second shot was not taken, and after that the leader for a short time was Victoria Hudson from Austria – 57.64 meters.
However, the result of the Latvian athlete (58.12 m) achieved in the third litter allowed to regain and maintain the leading position to the end. In the next two shots, the Muse’s spear was thrown at a distance of 57.65 meters and 57.74 meters, but the last one was not counted. Thus, Mūze celebrated the fifth victory of Latvian javelin throwers in the history of this competition.
Hadson finished second (57.64 m) and Marija Vučenoviča from Serbia finished third (57.26 m). The European Cup in throwing disciplines is taking place for the 21st time this year. Latvian throwers have been participating in such competitions for the 12th time since 2004. 27 athletes have started in this competition – 20 javelin throwers, six hammer throwers and one disc thrower.
The victory has been celebrated four times so far – once won by Vadim Vasilevskis (2004) and three times – by Zigismunds Sirmais (2011, 2013 and 2014). Sirma’s result in 2011 (84.47 m) was also a world junior record. Three times the Latvian javelin throwers were the second – in 2004 Ainārs Kovals, in 2007 Sinta Ozoliņa and in 2016 Mūze. Ainars Kovals was third twice (2006, 2007).
On Sunday, Latvia will be represented in the adult competition by javelin throwers Rolands Štrobinders and Patriks Gailums, and in the U-23 competition by Matīss Kaudze. Coaches Zigismunds Sirmais, Mārcis Štrobinders and Gints Palameiks also went together with the athletes. The European Cup in throwing disciplines will take place in Leiria from 12 to 13 March.
