Ieva Malnača Ready for U18 European Championships After Breaking 42-Year-Old Records
17-year-old sprinter Ieva Malnača has broken two U18 Latvian records this season, which stood for 42 years, and is preparing for the U18 European Championships.
Ieva Malnača, a 17-year-old sprinter hailed as Latvia's biggest sprint talent in 40 years, broke two U18 Latvian records in June. On June 19, she ran 11.58 seconds in the 100 meters, and on June 20, she clocked 23.74 seconds in the 200 meters, surpassing the previous records set by Marina Krivosheina in 1984 (11.66 and 23.80). Krivosheina later moved abroad and did not represent Latvia at the 1992 Olympic Games.
Malnača suffered an injury in November and only resumed running in March. Coach Sandis Sabājevs told LTV1: "The girl simply works wonders. She is capable and knows how to put things together when needed. A 40-year-old record has been broken – that means we haven't had such talent in 40 years. Maybe some came close, but apparently not." He also praised her phenomenal ability to mobilize and focus during competitions.
For comparison, other top Latvian sprinters' personal bests at age 17: Sindija Bukša – 11.85 and 24.13, Gunta Vaičule – 12.10 and 24.24. Malnača is set to represent Latvia at the U18 European Championships.
