Javelin thrower Elīza Ligere wins bronze at an Olympic-level event

Latvian track and field athlete Elīza Ligere, a javelin thrower, won a bronze medal at a competition described in the source as an Olympic one. The event took place in November, and before the start Ligere was ranked the top favourite by personal-best marks, with a best of 55.87 metres. The medal is notable because it came at an unusual time of year for the discipline.

Throwing series

Ligere's series was: foul, 43.99 m, 52.00 m, foul, 51.27 m and 46.17 m. She admitted that her first attempts made her think the result would not be good, but the throws improved later.

An unusual season

Before the event, her rivals were not far behind her in the personal-best ranking. In addition, the javelin season normally ends in mid-summer, yet this time the athletes had to throw in November. Ligere said this was very unusual and that preparation was hard, as it is cold outside and training throws are not possible.

The athlete's comments

"So unreally happy. I can't believe this happened to me. I am so glad to represent Latvia," Ligere said. She added that she had gone to the event aiming for a medal but did not yet know which one. She stressed that competition experience has to be built up and said she is confident everything will be fine.