by Larry Eder
ZURICH NEWS
ZURICH (SUI): The Letzigrund stadium of Zurich has before European Championships completed a renovation of the track. Competing athletes can look forward to a special “feature” – a newly developed top performance track system from Conica, designed to help athletes run even faster and break records. Together with one of the leading bio-mechanical institute in Cologne following was found out about the new synthetic surface. There is 10% less energy loss in the surface compared to other systems, better foot stability and less injuries and better efficiency in the running technique.
PARIS (FRA): Latest additions in French team (total of 69 athletes) are that Ben Bassaw initially selected for 4×100 m only will now compete also in the 200 m. Yannick Fonsat was added for individual 400 m and 4×400 m relay. The European Cup women marathon team was reduced to four after Carmen Olivares withdrew due to injury.
KHARKIV (UKR): Reigning world champion and world leader in high jump Bohdan Bondarenko didn’t join the training camp of national team in Koncha Zaspa and continued his preparation for European championships in Kharkiv. “We are preferring to prepare in domestic surroundings. In Kharkiv we have all facilities for full-fledged practices and quiet atmosphere,” said Bohdan’s father and coach Viktor Bondarenko in interview for X-Sport TV-channel. He also noted that Bohdan still has some health problems. “Nothing too serious but I couldn’t say that Bohdan is absolutely healthy and ready for championships a hundred per cent. Some problems are still disturbing him but in spite of that he is getting ready for good performance and big fight in Zurich.”
BRUSSELS (BEL): The Belgian League Athletics (LRBA) has made a statement regarding the non-selection of Dylan Borlée for the 4x400m relay squad for the European Championships, reportlavenir.net. The LRBA said that “The selection committee considered that Michael Bultheel, already in place for the 400m hurdles, can legitimately compete as the sixth athlete.” They think that, considering Dylan’s national rank and current form, he would not be a benefit to the team. Jonathan Borlée, Kevin Borlée, Antoine Gillet, Will Oyowe and Julien Watrin make up the current 4x400m squad.
ROME (ITA): Italian sprinter-long jumper Andrew Howe will not compete in the 200 m at the European Championships, report Repubblica. He will also not be in the role in the relay alternate. The 29 year old has withdrawn due to physical problems, he has been replaced by Enrico Demonte in the 200 m. Also under question due to health is sprinter Jacques Riparelli who is scheduled for the 100 m. Cancelled is the participation of hammer thrower Silvia Salis, on the other side last tests confirmed the participation of Darya Derkach in triple jump.
KIENBAUM (GER): Olympic discus champion Robert Harting says that he wants to challenge the European Championships record in Zurich, report focus.de. The 29 year old German says that surpassing 70m is always his aim, but that it may be difficult in his current form. The record of 68.87, set by his Polish rival Piotr Małachowski in 2010, will be his target in Zurich. He says that this is the first time in four years in which he is almost painless, having gotten over knee pain that had hampered him in 2013. He said that in order to challenge the world record in the future, he would need 5 conditions: 5,000 to 8,000 spectators, up to five athletes in the top 10 in the field, it would be his third or fourth competition of the season, he would have to be in top form and the wind would have to blow strongly. This year he has been studying for a Bachelor of Economic and Social Affairs, he has to give in his thesis on September 16.
ZURICH (SUI): European Junior 100mH champion Noemi Zbaren says that her goal for the European Championships is to make it to the semi finals, report 20min.ch. The 20 year old clocked a PB of 12.92 on July 26. She hopes that the support of the Swiss fans can help her perform well.
ZURICH (SUI): Latest addition in the Swiss team for European Championships is triple jumper Alex Hochuli. That makes the team 53 athletes strong.
BUDAPEST (HUN): In Hungarian team added were two female hammer throwers. Fruzsina Fertig and only 18 years old Reka Gyuratz who was 2nd at World Juniors in Eugene.
