Italian
An unforgettable evening for Italian athletics in Madrid. Anna Polinari wins in the 400, Sara Fantini in the hammer throw, and Andrea Dallavalle in the triple jump
MADRID (SPAIN) – The blues are revving up their engines less than a month before the start of the European Championships in Birmingham (August 10-16). At the Silver stage of the Continental Tour taking place in Madrid, there are three victories and two Italian records narrowly missed.
The hammer thrower Sara Fantini throws 75.62, just fifteen centimeters short of her national record of 75.77 set four years ago right on this track. The European champion has found excellent form, going over 74 meters with three other throws of 74.06, 74.90, and 74.16. A significant step forward considering her seasonal best was 74.45, which also allows her to surpass the Polish Anita Wlodarczyk (75.01).
Just a step away from the new Italian record is Anna Polinari, who flies in the 400m with a time of 50.36, just six hundredths off the 50.30 set by Libania Grenot in 2009. So far, no Italian athlete has ever come close to that time. The athlete from Verona improves her personal best of 50.76 set last year on the same Spanish track during the team European Championships won by the Italians. A further step forward after the 50.97 in Annecy last month.
Andrea Dallavalle also triumphs in the triple jump with two amazing jumps. The world vice-champion soars to 17.59 with wind over the limit (+3.4) in the second round, and then reaches 17.42 (+1.7). For the athlete from Piacenza, this is the second best mark of his career, behind the outstanding performance that earned him the world silver medal in Tokyo with 17.64.
Also for him a step forward towards England after the seasonal debut in Doha a month ago where he jumped 17.19. To this is added the personal satisfaction of having beaten the Argentine indoor world bronze medalist Yasser Triki, 17.50 (+3.5) and the Jamaican Jaydon Hibbert (17.44/+2.4).
Other results
Good performance also from Alessandro Sibilio in the 400 hurdles, who takes second place in 48.49, gaining over half a second on his best time of the year.
Seasonal record in the women’s race also for Ayomide Folorunso, fourth with 54.53 in the race won by the British Emily Newnham (53.92), while Linda Olivieri is sixth.
In the 400 meters, third Edoardo Scotti with 45.27 and fourth Luca Sito in 45.39. Both significantly improve their seasonal best. Out Lorenzo Simonelli in the 110m hurdles after hitting the first hurdle. In the 800 meters, third Giovanni Lazzaro (1:45.18) and eighth Catalin Tecuceanu (1:45.76). Among the women, eighth Elena Bellò (2:03.83) while the affected Eloisa Coiro does not start. In the shot put, fifth Zane Weir with 20.59.
Photo Credits: Grana/Fidal
