Gogl-Walli, seventh in the European Championships: “It can still get really fast”

Susanne Gogl-Walli from the TGW Zehnkampf-Union made a name for herself at the European Athletics Championships in Rome, finishing seventh in her first major outdoor final. In 51.23 seconds over 400 meters, the 28-year-old from Linz left the Irishwoman Sharlene Mawdsley (51.59) behind. Gold went to the Pole Natalia Kaczmarek, who crowned herself European champion for the first time with a world best of the year of 48.98. Silver went to the Irishwoman Rhasidat Adeleke (49.07). The Dutchwoman Lieke Klaver ran a respectable distance to bronze in 50.08.

“Considering that it was the inside lane, it was a very well-rounded run within my capabilities,” was Gogl-Walli’s initial analysis. She still needs a few weeks to be able to run really fast times. “But with the Olympics in mind, we’re right on schedule and I would be happy if I could run under 51 (seconds, note),” she said. “I’m still very satisfied, running a low 51 in a final is very good for me.”

Gogl-Walli now has almost eight weeks of preparation time before the Summer Games: “Now it’s all about staying healthy.” She’s still a few percent away from being in top form: “It can still get really fast.” In her career, the Upper Austrian has reached an Olympic semifinal and semifinals at the World Championships in Eugene (2022) and Budapest (2023). She was also fourth at the European Indoor Championships in Istanbul in 2023 and sixth at the World Indoor Championships in Glasgow in 2024.

The men’s victory over the same distance went to Belgian Alexander Doom in a strong time of 44.15, ahead of Briton Charles Dobson (44.38) and Frenchman Liemarvin Bonevacioa (44.88).

Hudson hopes for the big hit

After finishing fifth at the World Championships in Budapest last year, javelin thrower Victoria Hudson will be aiming for a European Championship medal on Tuesday from 9:36 p.m. (live ORF Sport +). The 28-year-old training partner of Innviertel native Lukas Weißhaidinger, who won silver with the discus on Friday, mastered the qualification hurdle with a distance of 60.15 meters.

It can be even better. “You save a little, your body slows down. Further is further. That’s fine,” said Hudson. “I often find the qualification worse than the final. When I’m in the final, I know that I’m going full throttle.”

On May 22nd in Eisenstadt, she improved her Austrian record to 66.06 meters, which gave her the top position in Europe. “You have to be mature enough not to overestimate it. But basically anything is possible,” emphasized Hudson. Her motto is: “Stay focused, stay calm and don’t be distracted and nervous.”

The grandparents also watch

The material is also sturdy. Hudson threw with her favorite javelin, which she has had since she was 17. “It was my very first javelin, which my club bought me. It cost 900 euros. They usually wear out, but this one is perfect for me,” said the athlete, who was delighted to receive support from the stands at the Stadio Olimpico. Hudson was cheered on by friends and family, and her English grandparents, who are over 80 years old, were also there.