2022 Munich Diary, Day One: Men’s Shot put, a roller coaster of throwing!

This is the feature by RunBlogRun on the exciting Men’s shot put competition at the 2022 European Athletics Championships, being held in Munich, Germany from 15 August-21 August 2022.

2022 Munich Diary, Men’s Shot put, a roller coaster of throwing!

I have to admit, I love watching European Champs shot put. I was at the Goteborg 2013, Praha 2015, and Belgrade 2017, and the battles between the men and women throwers is awesome. And the fans love it.

In Munich, it was no different, just at a higher level. The men’s shot had two different leaders battling out until the very end.

Amrin Sinancevic, of Serbia, took the early lead with a throw of 21.07 metres. Filip MIhaljevic, Croatia, countered with 21.05m but did not take the lead until attempt 3 when the Croatian star threw 21.27 m. Armin Sinancevic countered with 21.24m, and Mihaljevic countered with 21.53 meters.

Sinancevic responded with 21.39 meters, and Mihaljevic threw 21.04m in his fifth attempt.

We did not speak about the battle for the bronze. Nick Ponzio, Italy, moved into the bronze in his first attempt; with a 20.55m throw, Tomas Stanek responded with 20.55m. In round 2, Stanek threw 20.96m, and Stanek threw 21.05m. Tomas Stanek threw 21.26 metres in his third attempt, and in the fifth attempt, Nick Ponzio threw his farthest, with 20.90 metres, coming no closer.

In the sixth attempt, Ponzio stayed in 4th with his 20.66m, and Stanek kept the bronze, 20.99m on his last throw.

Sinancevic threw 21.32m on his final throw, and it was only Filip Mihaljevic, in his final throw, who went 21.88 metres, his farthest throw of the competition.

The happy Croatian shot putter, in giving the media his view of the competition:

“What an amazing night. I have been working hard all year, and it paid off. It was a tough competition and very emotional. I am really happy, I could not ask for more with this placement and an SB. It was a tactical race, I mean mentally. My mind was strong. The tactic was to stay calm and believe in what you have done before. I knew it would be the three of us. I came on top. The qualification this morning was tough. I came back here this afternoon with a fresh head and peace of mind. There was a lot of weight on my shoulders. This is really exciting! The fans in Germany, they really know athletics. Tonight I threw for my little son at home, who is nine months old. My uncle lives in Munich, they are here in the stadium tonight, 10 people! Danke, Munich!”