80.89 m – throwing in more than 35 degrees heat in Birmingham, where the “Alexander” stadium on Thursday resembled a huge frying pan.
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In the first qualifying group, 30-year-old E. Matusevičius took 5th place among 15 contenders.
A place in the final was guaranteed by a result of 82.00 m or the top twelve. However, there are still 15 candidates later, so the calm Lithuanian cannot be.
- E. Matusevičius’s throws in qualification: 77.26 m / 75.46 m / 80.89 m
“Now it no longer depends on me,” sighed the best Lithuanian javelin thrower behind the scenes at the “Alexander” stadium.
“It could have been better. The conditions were really tough. The feeling was difficult too… Somehow I managed to squeeze out 80.89 m, but I don’t know if that will really be enough. I really hope so. The second group is also strong… I will go watch and pray,” continued the athlete, revealing how he fought the heat.
– I prepared all kinds of microelements, electrolytes, ice cream. You can’t prepare more. You need to put on a hat. That’s it. If you saw the javelin sector, there was one umbrella and everyone was hiding under it… That’s how we all tried to survive. There was a slight side wind, but it didn’t break the heat.”
“I put all my strength into that last attempt. It really took a lot of energy because the days were tough… And the heat, the legs – rubbery… Other javelin throwers also complained. The body just doesn’t obey. It seems you want to do it, but the legs bend, it’s difficult,” said E. Matusevičius.
– I’ve been feeling unwell for three days, I have a fever, but I don’t blame anything on that. I still came here, give my all and fight. You think you’re like always – healthy… Sometimes the illness might trip you up, but everything is fine. I can fight.”
E. Matusevičius is the Lithuanian javelin throw record holder – 89.17 m, set in 2019. This year his thrown implement flew the farthest at 83.65.
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- This is the fourth European Championship for E. Matusevičius. In 2024 in Rome, he finished just off the podium – fourth (83.96 m). In 2018 he was tenth (77.64 m), and in 2016 – eleventh (77.86 m).
The men’s javelin throw final will take place on Saturday at 22:01.
You can find the Lithuanian schedule and expectations at the European Championship here.
