by Alfonz JuckThe Czech athletics season began on June 1, 2020, with 173 events across the country. The meets were a big success. Some highlights, compiled by EME news, can be found below. Barbora Spotakova, Tomas Stanek, Pavel Maslak competed as well.
Barbora Spotakova, photo by European Athletics
Czech Opener: Spotakova 63.69, Vadlejch 84.31
PRAHA (CZE, Jun 1): Czech Athletics Federation started the track season in great way with competitions at 173 stadiums around the country. In all age categories some 17 000 athletes competed. Top three meets in Kladno, Plzen and Kolin were broadcasted by Czech Television
KLADNO: World record holder Barbora Spotakova was satisfied with her win 63.69 in javelin over younger home rival Nikol Ogrodnikova 62.92. Jakub Vadlejch had only one valid throw, but it was excellent 84.31 (also European lead 2019) his second best season opener after 2017 when he went to win World silver in London. Petr Frydrych attacked the 80 mark with 78.17. Also in good shape shot put record holder Tomas Stanek with 21.13. In women 300 m top improvement for Lada Vondrova, her 37.22 is European lead 2020. Surprise in men´s 300 m as favorite Pavel Maslak was beaten after 33.10 by two runners. Winner Jan Jirka improved to 32.95 (5th best ever Czech performer), PB also for second and last year junior Matej Krsek 33.05. In women 1000 m Diana Mezulianikova in 2:44.54 beat Kristiina Maki 2:45.49. In the final 100 yards when favorite Jan Veleba did not run due to an injury, winner Dominik Zalesky clocked 9.59 (+1.2), second best ever by Czech sprinter.
Jakub Vadlejch, photo by Getty for World Athletics
PLZEN: Discus thrower Marek Barta showed top shape with new personal best 62.95. Experienced Jan Kudlicka cleared 540 in the pole vault. Hurdler Vit Muller ran the flat 300 m in 33.29 as the winner and Michal Broz topped the 300 m hurdles in 36.56. High jump talent Bara Sajdokova (18) cleared 181.
PRAHA: At Strahov Friendship Stadium long jump record holder Radek Juska won the 300 m in 35.04 over decathlete Adam Sebastian Helcelet 35.16. In women sprints of combined eventers, Katerina Cachova beat Slovak Lucia Vadlejch over 150 m in 18.33 (-0.6) to 18.37, but lost to her in the 300 m with 40.21 to 39.10.
OLOMOUC: Fast 150 m races by U18 sprinters Vojtech Horak 16.47 (+1.1) and Eva Kubickova 18.28 (-0.6).
KOLIN: In the 1000 m the top Czech 800 m runner Filip Snejdr in 2:23.44 with fast finish beat talented EYOF winner Jakub Davidik (18) 2:23.56.
OSTRAVA: New shot put talent from Ostrava is Katrin Brzyszkowska (17) who improved with 3 kg shot to 17.04.
JABLONEC: Patrik Hajek in second competition of his career went over 70 in hammer with 70.79.
