by Larry Eder
Sandra Perkovic, photo by PhotoRun.net
At the European Championships less than two weeks ago, Sandra Perkovic just let the discus fly, and fly it did, seventy-one meters and 8 centimeters! Her 71.08m throw was the national record, and of course, the farthest throw in the world in 2014.
Sandra Perkovic is one of the most competitive athletes you could ever meet. She ranks up there with Valerie Adams.
“I like it when the girls challenge me. It encourages me to throw farther,” is how Sandra commented today to my query on competition.
In 2014, she has taken on all comers, and it was only at Glasgow, when Gia Lewis-Smallwood threw her lifetime best, that Sandra Perkovic saw a defeat.
In eight years, Sandra Perkovic has gone from throwing 50.11 meters to 71.08 meters! Her style is classic, but it is her speed that gives her the advantage. Using her height, strength and speed, Sandra Perkovic continues to excel at the event she loves.
Sandra Perkovic is the Olympic champion (2012), World Champion (2013) and European Champion three times (2010, 2012 and 2014).
In Shanghai, she was challenged and responded by throwing 70.52 meters! At the Europeans, Sandra Perkovic noted that, once she released the discus, she knew it was flying. ” I did not know 71 meters though.”
“Next year, I want the world Championships, and 72 meters for a new National record.” This year, Sandra Perkovic has the Zurich meeting tomorrow to end her Diamond League season, a season she has dominated (20 DL wins).
No wonder All-Athletics.com, the ranking site for athletics, gives her NUMERO UNO.
