Latvian javelin thrower Suntazs returns after injury setback, hopes for strong European Championships

Latvian javelin thrower Krisjanis Suntazs is making another attempt to return to form after several difficult years. In 2019, he won a silver medal at the European Under-20 Championships and looked set for a promising senior career, but injuries disrupted his progress and his results declined.

Last year, Suntazs told his family that he was drawing a line under his athletics career. Yet the urge to keep throwing the javelin remained. He eventually resumed training, this time as a hobby rather than a professional pursuit. Still, his approach to practice is professional and disciplined.

Suntazs' comeback has been compared to a phoenix rising from the ashes, and he is hoping for a successful performance at the European Championships. His story shows that an athlete can find a new path even after deciding to quit.