European Athletics (EAA) – News – Thorkildsen and Urech shine in Luzern

Norwegian javelin hero Andreas Thorkildsen was once again in sublime form as he effortlessly won his event at the European Athletics Outdoor Classic meeting Spitzenleichtathletik in Luzern on Thursday.

The reigning European, Olympic and world champion produced a throw of 84.12m to beat Turkey’s Fatih Avan who could only come up with a best of 82.54.

There was some disappointment for Yelena Isinbayeva fans as the Russian pole vaulter withdrew from the competition after injuring her hand during the warm-up.

“I hurt my hand while falling; I will be unable to jump. I really regret having to pull out and I will return next year,” she was quoted by the agencies.

In the absence of the Russian star, Mary Saxer of the USA claimed the top prize ahead of Swiss pair of Ana Katharina Schmid and Nicole Buchler, who all cleared 4.40m. The American got the nod on count back.

However another Swiss Lisa Urech more than made up for that with a blistering win in the women’s 100m hurdles. Up against a world class field in the scenic Swiss town, Urech blasted to 12.94 (-0.8) win ahead of Kristi Castlin of the USA 13.013 and former world indoor champion Derval O’Rourke of Ireland who finished in 13.14.

American champion Walter Dix showed impressive shape when winning the 200m in a new meet record 20.02 (0.0) over Jamaican Marvin Anderson 20.54 and fellow American Daegu bound sprinter Jeremy Dodson 20.58.

American record holder Jill Camarena-Williams won the shot put 19.74m beating Germany’s Nadine Kleinert 19.12m and Michelle Carter 18.79m.

Morocco’s Yahya Berrabah bounded out to 8.18m (+0.2) to beat Briton Greg Rutherford 8.09m (+0.4) for the long jump title.

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European Athletics (EAA) – News