Slovak hurdler Emma Zapletalová has secured the title of European champion in the 400-meter hurdles, capping a significant career recovery following three years of injury-related setbacks. According to Peter Korčok, president of the Slovak Athletic Federation, this victory represents a “golden culmination” for the 26-year-old athlete after her struggles between 2022 and 2024.
The Path to European Gold
Zapletalová entered the European Championships in Birmingham facing high public expectations, a shift from her underdog status at the previous year’s World Championships in Tokyo. Her coach, Bram Peters, noted that the athlete felt the weight of national attention, acknowledging that anything less than a title might have been perceived as a defeat. Despite this pressure, she navigated the final to secure the gold medal.
The race was not a wire-to-wire victory. According to race data, Zapletalová cleared the first hurdle in third place and spent a significant portion of the race trailing Belgian runner Paulien Couckuyt. However, she optimized her energy distribution, accelerating in the final 150 meters to claim the win. While she finished 0.61 seconds slower than her personal best, Peters emphasized that the primary objective was the gold medal rather than a record-breaking time.
Strategic Coaching and Technical Evolution
The partnership with Dutch coach Bram Peters is widely credited for Zapletalová’s return to elite form. Peters, who previously coached Dutch athlete Femke Broeders-Bolovej, has focused on a calm, analytical approach that Zapletalová reportedly favors. Athletics expert Alfonz Juck described Peters as a “calm person who does not show emotions,” a trait that helps the athlete maintain composure during high-stakes competitions.
Pro Tip: Coach Bram Peters reveals that he uses psychological visualization to help his athletes. Before the final, he advised Zapletalová to imagine she was chasing Femke Broeders-Bolovej, a technique intended to keep her focused and motivated throughout the race.
Future Performance Targets
While the European title is a career milestone, Zapletalová has previously stated that she values her bronze medal from the World Championships highly due to the strength of that specific field. Looking forward, the team is focused on both technical adjustments and aggressive timing.
Peters plans to transition the athlete from a 15-step hurdle rhythm to a 14-step rhythm in the upcoming season. The immediate focus remains on the Diamond League meetings in Lausanne and Zürich, the series final in Brussels, and the Ultimate championship. According to Peters, the priority for these remaining events will shift from podium placement to achieving faster race times.
FAQ
Who is Emma Zapletalová’s coach?
She is coached by Bram Peters, a Dutch expert in sprints and hurdles who also previously coached Femke Broeders-Bolovej.
What was the turning point in her career?
After overcoming a three-year period of health issues from 2022 to 2024, Zapletalová regained her status as a top-tier athlete, marked by her success in the Diamond League and her recent European title.
What are the next goals for Zapletalová?
The athlete is scheduled to compete in Diamond League meetings in Lausanne and Zürich, the series final in Brussels, and the Ultimate championship, with a focus on improving her race times.
Did you know? In the current Diamond League season, Emma Zapletalová remains undefeated in the 400-meter hurdles, having won meetings in Rabat, Rome, Oslo, and Doha.
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