The 26-year-old runner confidently won her 800-meter race and calmly advanced to the semifinal taking place on Thursday from 14:10.
The winner’s time in the fourth race was 1 min. 58.99 sec.
In other races, the athletes were faster – G. Galvydytė showed the 11th time in the qualifiers, but the Lithuanian controlled the situation, knowing that the top three from each race would definitely advance to the next stage.
“There was no specific plan. Before the race, Justinas (Beržanskis, coach, – ed.) shouted that I needed to run fast – at least 1:59.
But then in the third race, the athletes ran 1:58. I knew I had to either run fast or be in the Top 3, there was no other way.
It was very good that the Polish runner took the initiative, and nothing could have been better for me than to run behind her, in second position, – catching my breath after a very demanding event, said G. Galvydytė.
– I tried putting on glasses and now I don’t want to take them off (smiles). It’s nice when no one can see my eyes. I feel more focused, more confident in my abilities.
- The fastest 800 m qualifier was British Keely Hodgkinson (1:57.28), Italian Eloisa Coiro (1:57.56) improved the national record, and German Smilla Kolbe (1:57.80) ran the fastest in her career.
I just ran, looked around to see if anyone was trying to overtake. No one did, and I felt good. I told myself not to curl up, finish freely and everything would be fine. I even managed to win my race. I’m very happy about that.”
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Before the championship, the biggest expectations for G. Galvydytė were linked to the longer 1500 m event, but the runner promises not to hold back in the 800 m distance, whose semifinal awaits the day after tomorrow.
- Thursday: 800 m semifinal from 14:10
- Friday: 800 m final at 23:46 (if qualified)
- Saturday: 1500 m qualifiers from 14:15
- Sunday: 1500 m final at 23:13 (if qualified)
“We didn’t really make a detailed plan… We tried to decide whether to run both or just one event – I leaned more towards one, but the coach says: ‘I see that you just love competing, so go and do what you love most.’
I just want to take advantage of all opportunities because there are no such competitors in Lithuania, – continued G. Galvydytė. – I think I won’t hold back. Of course, we’ll see. Getting into the 800 m final will be insanely hard…
I’m glad I have this opportunity, and if I don’t qualify – I’ll have another chance in the 1500 m event. Everything will be fine.”
“A lot of work has been put into this season. Maybe that’s why I’m not afraid to run two events here, because I prepared insanely hard. I’ve never worked this hard in my life, but it gave me a lot of confidence,” said the runner who improved the 1500 m stadium record this year.
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– I think I can definitely run close to my best personal results.”
You can find the Lithuanian schedule and expectations at the European Championship here.
