Vlasic leads Europe to Continental Cup in her hometown Split, Croatia
With first place in the Women’s high jump locked up after a jump of 2.05m at this weekend’s Continental Cup in Split, Croatia, Blanka Vlasic failed to set a new world record.
Split is Vlasic’s hometown, and while this is only the second time she has competed at Poljud stadium, she knew heading into the meet that it would be an emotional day, win or lose.
"Everything I wanted has happening. The crowd transmitted their energy as ever,” said Vlasic. “There is no more beautiful a place in the world.”
Her personal best is 2.08m, with the world record standing at 2.09m, set by Stefka Kostadionva of Bulgaria in 1987. Vlasic tried reach a height of 2.10m in front of a stadium full of her countryfolk, but failed on all three attempts.
“I will come back for the record,” said Vlasic.
In taking first place in the high jump, Vlasic earned 8 points for the European team and behind her in second place, with seven points, was Emma Green of Sweden, who finished with a height of 1.95m. Green was only able to make heights of 1.92m and 1.95m on her third attempts, and she also made attempts at 2.00m and 2.02m.
Tied for third were Levern Spencer of Saint Lucia, Nadiya Dusanova of Uzbekistan, and Anna Ustinova of Kazakhstan, all with a height of 1.88m.
European women took first and second in the pole vault last weekend. Former world record holder, Svetlana Feofanova of Russia, took first place with a height of 4.70m, quite far from the current world record of 5.06, held by fellow Russian Yelena Isinbayeva. Lisa Ryzih of Germany took second with a height of 4.60m and Fabian Murer of Brazil finished in third with a height of 4.50m.
Other European field winners included:
Maria Abakumova of Russia took first place in the Women’s javelin throw with a mark of 68.14m and Norwegian Andreas Thorkildsen took first for the men with a distance of 89.29m.
Libor Charfreitag of Slovakia took first in the Men’s hammer throw with a distance of 79.69m, and Tatyana Lysenko took first for the women with a distance of 73.88m.
Marian Oprea of Romania took first in the Men’s triple jump with a distance of 17.29, narrowly ahead of Alexis Copelle of Cuba, who had a distance of 17.25m.
Robert Harting of Germany was first in the discus throw with a mark of 66.85m, 0.40m ahead of Benn Harradine of Australia in another close finish.
Europe’s strong field team helped them win the first IAAF Continental Cup over the Americans by a score of 429 to 419.5. Africa finished third with 292 points and Asia/Oceania fourth with 286.5 points.
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