The Dutch Femke Bol took up the first part of her challenge in Munich by becoming European champion in the 400m, and is now seeking gold in the 400m hurdles, the semi-finals of which take place this Thursday.
Bol, recent world silver medalist in the 400m hurdles in July in Eugene (United States), won Wednesday in 49 sec 44 ahead of the Poles Natalia Kaczmarek (49.94) and Anna Kielbasinska (50.29).
The 22-year-old Dutchwoman is consolidating an already strong record, with the Olympic bronze medal in the 400m hurdles in 2021 and the world medals gleaned last month in the 400m hurdles and with the mixed 4x400m relay, both in silver.
Third performer of all time in the 400m hurdles, Bol is aiming for the double in Bavaria with, in the event of qualifications on Thursday, a final scheduled for Friday.
On Wednesday, in the 110m hurdles, the Spaniard Asier Martinez became European champion a month after winning world bronze, further improving his personal best in 13 sec 14 (against 13.17 in the world final).
The young 22-year-old hurdler was ahead of the smallest of margins - one thousandth - the French Pascal Martinot-Lagarde, outgoing European champion and world bronze medalist in 2019.
The podiums of the 3rd day:
Pole vault women
1. Wilma Murto (END) 4.85m
2. Katerina Stefanidi (GRE) 4.75
3. Tina Sutej (SLO) 4.75
Triple jump men
1. Pedro Pichardo (POR) 17.50m
2. Andrea Dallavalle (ITA) 17.04
3. Jean-Marc Pontvianne (FRA) 16.94
hammer women
1. Bianca Perie-Ghelber (ROM) 72.72m
2. Ewa Rozanska (POL) 72.12
3. Sara Fantini (ITA) 71.58
400m men
1. Matthew Hudson-Smith (GBR) 44.53
2. Ricky Petrucciani (SUI) 45.03
3. Alex Haydock-Wilson (GBR) 45.17
400m women
1. Femke Bol (NED) 49.44
2. Natalia Kaczmarek (POL) 49.94
3. Anna Kielbasinska (POL) 50.29
110m hurdles men
1. Asier Martinez (ESP) 13.14
2. Pascal Martinot-Lagarde (FRA) 13.14
3. Just Kwaou-Mathey (FRA) 13.33
