Paweł Fajdek missed the podium in the hammer throw final at the European Championships, finishing in fifth place after a strong opening attempt, according to TVP Sport. The five-time world champion opened the competition with a 79.13-meter throw, which initially held a podium spot before rivals surged ahead in later rounds.
Fajdek Points to Slippery Throwing Circle Conditions
Fajdek did not hide his frustration after the event, telling TVP Sport that poor conditions inside the throwing circle hampered his performance. According to the competitor, the concrete had been ground down three days prior to the start, creating a slick surface precisely where he places his foot to begin his rotation. “That’s how it is when you grind the circle three days before the start,” Fajdek told TVP Sport. “I’m furious, it’s not my fault. I couldn’t enter the first rotation. Where I put my foot, it’s an ice rink. Only I put my foot there.”
Despite the issues, Fajdek maintained that his physical preparation was sufficient to contend for a medal. He noted that an easy, controlled throw still traveled 79 meters. Out of his six attempts, four were unmeasured due to fouls or stepping out of the circle, leaving his opening mark of 79.13 meters as his best of the day, alongside a 76.71-meter mark in the third round.
Bence Halasz Captures Gold with Historic National Record
Hungary’s Bence Halasz dominated the competition to claim the gold medal with a massive throw of 84.25 meters in the fifth round, according to coverage by Weszło.pl. The 29-year-old athlete secured a personal best and a new Hungarian national record, a mark that ranks among the top ten best throws in the history of the discipline globally. Halasz’s series also included an 80.96-meter effort in the first round and an 81.84-meter throw in the third round.
German competitor Merlin Hummel took the silver medal with a throw of 81.30 meters, while Ukraine’s Mychajło Kochan claimed bronze with 79.49 meters, edging out fourth-place finisher Volodymyr Myslyvcuk of the Czech Republic, who threw 79.42 meters, as reported by Weszło.pl. When Halasz secured the winning distance, Fajdek walked over to the new champion to embrace him and offer congratulations, according to Sport.pl.
Broader Decline in Polish Hammer Throw Dominance
The result marks the continuation of a shifting landscape in men’s hammer throw. According to Weszło.pl, Poland has not secured a medal in the event at the last two major global gatherings—the Olympic Games and the World Championships in Tokyo. Furthermore, Sport.pl notes that the long-standing Polish dominance in European competition—which saw Fajdek win in 2016 and Wojciech Nowicki claim the next three European titles—has officially ended, with Nowicki exiting this year’s event in the qualification round with a 13th-place finish.
Did you know? Bence Halasz’s winning throw of 84.25 meters pushed him into the top 10 best hammer throws in world history, displacing Hungarian compatriot Adrian Annus from the list, according to Weszło.pl.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the hammer throw final at the European Championships?
Hungary’s Bence Halasz won the gold medal with a throw of 84.25 meters, setting a new national record and a world-leading mark for the year, according to Weszło.pl and TRT Spor Yıldız.
What place did Paweł Fajdek take?
Paweł Fajdek finished in fifth place with a best throw of 79.13 meters, recorded in his first attempt, according to TVP Sport.
Why was Paweł Fajdek upset after the competition?
According to TVP Sport, Fajdek expressed intense anger over the condition of the throwing circle, stating that the surface was slick where he planted his foot because the concrete had been ground down three days prior to the event.
Who rounded out the podium behind Halasz?
Germany’s Merlin Hummel won the silver medal with 81.30 meters, and Ukraine’s Mychajło Kochan took the bronze with 79.49 meters, according to Weszło.pl.
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