“To wave the flag in a stadium again is incredible. “It was a really cool tournament,” Weihidinger said. The final started with a little surprise. Alekhna, the world record holder, made a false attempt, which she later destroyed, but did not win the title. Weisheidinger opened with a 65.60 and was second after the first round, fourth after a 63.07 and still in fourth with a 66.78, meaning he was one of eight with three more throws.
The start was based on the current standings, and Weihidinger began attacking the three in front of him. No advance at 63.99 initially. He followed up with 67.70 points to move up to second place. It was 64.42 in the sixth attempt, and silver was already assured as Swedish world and Olympic champion Daniel Staal was unopposed in fourth place (66.84).
“I was sweating a bit before the last round. But I also tried to strike gold. I know it’s still possible. That’s not the end of the story,” Weihidinger said. Being ahead of world record holders Alekhna and Stahl means a lot. “Many people will not understand this, but this medal shines as a world champion.”
For the first time, the reigning discus champions had to compete in qualifying and finals on the same day. Weihidinger finished fourth with a height of 63.99m and explained that he saved “grains”. “The work assignment is done, the billing will be done in the evening,” said coach Gregor Högler. The trick worked and the fourth medal was packed in a dry tucker. After bronze at the Olympics (2021), World Cup (2019) and European Championships (2018), it changed to a different color for the first time.
2022 has been tough for Weihidinger. They only managed tenth at the World Championships in Eugene and ninth at the European Championships in Munich. A year ago, a historic World Cup event in Budapest saw Weißheidinger’s performances over 68 meters finish seventh. Soon after, the Högler/Weißhaidinger team decided to change the technology.
The throw is now more aggressive and more from the hip. “One of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do as an athlete. A few months ago, I threw my 70m with the old technique and won medals. But in Paris the goal was to fight at the front,” said Weihidinger. “Thanks to Gregor, who always gets the most out of it. Even if you already believe you are in a better position, you accept the changes. And want to do it.
The European Championships should be a stop on the way to Paris. The first eight were destined for Rome. “A European Championship medal would be very valuable,” Weiheidinger said beforehand. He said in the Catacombs of the Olympic Stadium on Friday evening: “I always said there was something in me. Also in the Diamond League. I know I can throw more if I do my thing. That’s what I did today, that’s what I showed today. I pushed myself to my limits.”
