Hungary maintains lead over Ukraine in Silesia 2023, focusing on promotion struggle

Posted : 23 June 2023

Slovenia were left to ponder the cost of losing two earlier points-scoring opportunities. Mateuz Sustarsic collapsed in pain out of lane nine, 60 metres from the line, and Dino Bosnjak of Croatia was halted by Slovenia's Vid Botolin 50 metres from the line.

Edis Matusevicius confirmed the men's javelin victory, moving Lithuania ahead of Slovenia by 1.5 points. The women's high jump won by Ukraine's European champion Yaroslava Mahuchikh was confirmed. Slovenia will reflect on their fate on a day with 35.5 points separating them from Lithuania, thanks partly to Kristjan Ceh's championship record performance in the men's discus.

Ukraine, relegated from the top tier two years ago, had begun the day trailing a Hungarian side energised by the imminent hosting of the World Athletics Championships by 37.5 points and finished 21 points adrift. The main job was done, but the margin would have been smaller had both stars shone brightly.

Much of the day saw a succession of victories for teams nowhere near the top three places. The first four events featured winners from four different nations, none of them in the top seven when competition resumed.

Hungary secured their victory in the 2nd Division of the Silesia 2023 European Athletics Team Championships, while Lithuania narrowly held off Slovenia to claim the third promotion place. In the 4x400m mixed relay, Slovenia's Anita Horvat made an impressive final push, but Lithuania managed to maintain their lead and secure the necessary points. Although Slovenia had hopes of regaining the position, the final scoreboard confirmed Lithuania's victory.

Slovenia had unfortunate incidents earlier in the competition, including Mateuz Sustarsic collapsing in pain during the men's 200m and Dino Bosnjak of Croatia stopping to assist Slovenia's Vid Botolin in the men's 5000m, resulting in disqualification. Lithuania's Edis Matusevicius won the men's javelin, giving Lithuania a 1.5-point advantage over Slovenia. Ukraine's Yaroslava Mahuchikh won the women's high jump, further extending Lithuania's lead.

Slovenia had arrived at the championships with a significant point difference from Lithuania, thanks in part to Kristjan Ceh's record-breaking performance in the men's discus. Ukraine, relegated from the top tier in previous years, finished behind Hungary but accomplished their main goal.

Despite winning the overall prize, Hungary did not secure any individual event victories, while Lithuania only achieved one victory in the men's javelin. Throughout the competition, several teams outside the top three places earned victories. Slovenia's Marusa Mismas-Zrimsek set a Slovenian record to win the women's 3000m steeplechase.

Other notable performances included Olivia Fotopoulou of Cyprus winning the women's 200m, Slovakia's Jan Volko winning the men's 200m, Bulgaria's Tihomir Ivanov winning the men's high jump, and Latvia's Lina Muze claiming victory in the women's javelin.

Hungary emerged as the champions with the highest point total, followed by Ukraine. Lithuania secured the third promotion place, while Slovenia reflected on missed opportunities and bad luck throughout the competition.

Hungary maintains lead over Ukraine in Silesia 2023, focusing on promotion struggle

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