One of the best discus throwers in history, Sandra Perkovic Elkasevic, once again reinforced her power after winning her seventh European title in the discipline. The Croatian also won the gold at the continental forum in Rome with an achievement of 67.04m. Jorinde van Klinken (Netherlands) took the second position with 65.99m, and the Portuguese Liliana Ca took the bronze with 64.53m.
“This gold medal means a lot to me. Here in Rome I won my seventh gold medal at a European Championships and as Rome was built on seven hills I wanted to have a medal for each hill. It was an amazing crowd. Thanks to the Italians and also to the Croatians who came here to support me”, said Sandra Perkovic Elkasevic after the victory. “I knew that I am the best one here and that I can throw far. But I am still a human and I get a little nervous. If something does not go according to the plan, it is not good. I opened really good, and the second one was even better. 67.04 is my SB (season’s best). It is emotional because this is my first medal for me and my husband under the name of Elkasevic, like there is a new girl in town. I won six under the name of Perkovic and this is the first one for our family. And that gold goes to him”, added she.
Sandra Perkovic Elkasevic is a two-time Olympic (2012 London, 2016 Rio) and world (2013, 2017) champion and a record seven-time European champion (2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2022, 2024) which no other female athlete achieved. She is also a seven-time Diamond League winner, prevailing in 46 circuit’s meetings.
Sandra Perkovic culminated her successful junior career by winning gold at the 2009 European Junior Championships with a new national record. A month later, she made the final of the World Championships as the youngest discus thrower in the field