7th European Athletics U23 Championships ended in Kaunas on Sunday evening with President‘s Valdas Adamkus‘ speech of congratulation and a symbolic referal of championships flag to Ostrava, the Czcech Republic. In the final event of snatched bronze.

The last day of the championships began with men‘s hammer and women‘s heptathlon in 30 degree heat and heavy summer rain.

In Women‘s Heptathlon Latvia‘s won the long jump with 6.62 (1046) and after five events moved into the lead (4757). Olga Kurban of Russia slipped into the second position (4657). Javelin event was won by Finland‘s Maiju Matilla (46.96m). Grabuste had to be content with 3rd place and still remained in the leading position (5542). Olga Kurban – 2nd (5326).

The final 800m event of the Heptathlon was won by Barbara Hernando of Spain (2:13,83). Eventually, Aiga Grabuste claimed gold (6396). After the victory ceremony Aiga was extremely happy and thanked the spectators in Lithuanian.

In Men‘s Hammer Belarus‘ Yurij Shayunov was successful in defending the title and took gold (78.16).
In Men‘s 4x100 relay semifinal France‘s quartette won the first semi (39.77) while the second was won by Britain‘s team (39.95). Lithuania‘s Egidijus Dilys, Martas Skrabulis, Rytis Sakalauskas, Aivaras Pranckevičius were 4th in their group (40.23) and 9th in the final classification.

In Women‘s 4x100 relay Ukrainians were the winners of the first semi (44.21). Lithuania‘s Silva Peseckaitė, Lina Andrijauskaitė, Sonata Tamošaitytė and Lina Grinčikaitė were the fastest in the second semifinal (44.04) and qualified for the final with the best time. They were just 0.09 sec away from NR.

Lithuania‘s Lina Andrijauskaitė had to participate in two events – 100 relay and long jump - almost at the same time. As she couln‘t make her first two attempts in long jump because of the relay and her third attempt was unsuccessful, eventuallly she placed 12th. Germany‘s Melanie Bauschke collected gold with 6.83m.

In Women’s 3000m Steeplechase Ancuta Bobocel of Romania took gold (9:47.90). Lithuania’s Gintarė Kubiliūtė finished the last (11:15.19) and was 13th in the final classification.

Winner of Men’s 3000m Steeplechase was Aleksandr Pavelyev of Russia (8:40.55).

Women‘s 5000m Final: Vaida Žūsinaitė took 10th place with PB (16:35.24). Russia‘s Natalya Popkova grabbed gold (15:54.11).

Men‘s 1500m Final: Ivan Tukhtachev of Russia grabbed the top honours (3:51.19).

Women‘s 1500m Final: Turkey‘s Sultan Haydar (4:14.12) claimed gold.

Men‘s Triple Jump was won by Italy‘s Daniele Greco (17.20). Men‘s Pole Vault – by Germany‘s Raphael Holzdeppe (5.65m). In Women‘s Javelin gold medallist was Madara Palameiko of Latvia (64.51m).

In Men‘s 4x100 Final British stormed to the victory – 39.09. It was the second gold for Toby Sandeman.

Women‘s 4x100 Final had to be the next event. However, it was cancelled for two hours because of France‘s protest. Their team was disqualified but after analysing video material they got the right for further participation. Great Britain took gold (43.89), silver went to Poland and Lithuania‘s team grabbed bronze (44.09).

In Men‘s 4x400 Final Poland‘s team stormed to victory (3:03.74), leaving Italians behind.

Men‘s High Jump: Raivydas Stanys was 8th after sucessful attempts of 2.05, 2.10, 2.14, 2.18, 2.21. Unexpectadly, Sylwester Bednarek of Poland collected the gold with 2.28m .