Femke Bolová’s Quest for Gold: A Close Call at the European Championships in Rome

Rome (from our correspondent) – She suspected that the fight for more medals was open for the European phenomenon of this discipline, Femke Bolová.

Before the race, she wrote in the notebook in which she records her observations and impressions that she was in for a tough fight. “And that I have to laugh because a lot of people and acquaintances are looking at me. And I have to give it for them, for the coach and my team,” she wrote.

She ran into the corner, agitated by the height competition, to introduce the finalists, and the loudspeaker said: “Nicoleta Jíčová, Czechia.” It was the first time she had experienced such a start. “I didn’t even know what to do, as it was new to me,” she admitted.

She started the final run in a more lukewarm way, but entered the finish line in a similar position as in the semi-finals, when she started her excellent fighter. Even now, she got two rivals behind her only on the last two obstacles.

However, she would need to significantly improve her personal record from the Rome semi-final of 54.59 s to reach the podium. The Czech representative followed fourth-place finisher Gloria Lurdes Manuel and pole vaulter Amália Švábíková with fourth place.

“Behind the goal, I saw that I was within reach, but I didn’t reach it. Then I saw the time and was satisfied. It was mixed in me,” she described after her performance of 54.91 seconds.

Photo: Aleksandra Szmigiel, Reuters

Nikoleta Jíchová after the final in Rome.

“I wanted it to turn out even better. I’m trying and putting everything into it to win a medal someday, and today I was close to it,” she regretted a little.

But Jindřich Šimánek’s ward has a great championship behind her. However, before the trip to Rome, she managed one oval with hurdles under 55 seconds once in her career. At the European Championship, she succeeded in all three runs. She left behind hurdlers who have significantly better times. And last but not least, he brings with him an Olympic qualification from Italy.

Her career continues to rise step by step. “I have to be humble, the year before in Munich I wasn’t even in the final, let alone fourth. It’s going well and I think I’m not an old lady yet and hopefully I’ll get a medal,” the only 23-year-old athlete smiled.

He will enjoy a bit of Rome before he throws himself into further training towards the Olympic goal. A friend flew to her as a surprise. “He was flying with plaster, fool. So I hope that we will look somewhere, even if it will be short errands, which will also suit me and my legs,” she smiled.

But he will definitely stop at the candy store. “I love tiramisu, I would really like to have it. Now I’ve been eating the same thing for a week and my taste buds are craving something different,” she looked forward to.