The 64th Hanžeković Memorial Meeting included two Croatian victories gained by Ana Šimić, winning the high jump with a leap of 193 centimetres, while Sandra Perković took first place in the discus throw with a distance of 65.09 metres.
In the drizzly and cold weather, Sandra was not able to match her meeting record (66.29) however, the World, Olympic and European Champion was very pleased with the result she achieved in Zagreb.
“Frankly, the conditions were terrible as it was so cold and I was afraid of how it would all turn out. I’m pleased with the winning shot and I’m glad that I won and also for Ivančića, arguably the world’s best discus throw coach” said Perković, who will finish this season at the Confederations Cup in Marrakech, where she will represent Europe.
“Marrakech means a lot to me as there, it’s the only title that I haven’t won and I have to finish this season with this victory. It’ll be just my luck if it rains over there as well!” concluded Perković.
Ana Šimić won victory by jumping over 193 cm at the first attempt, since Blanka Vlasić managed this height during her third.
“I’m happy with the win, even though I’d hoped for a better height. Unfortunately, it was raining and cold so it was hard to expect better results. All in all, I can feel very pleased with this season as I won a medal at the European Championships and came second in the Diamond League, so I really can’t complain,” said Ana.
Blanka Vlasić returned to the Hanžek meeting, following a three-year absence, jumping over 193 centimetres in the rain, leaving her very pleased with herself.
“I was feeling great but it’s a shame we had such bad weather. I was ready for a good result. Unfortunately, after the third jump I felt my muscle tone and explosiveness decrease and I didn’t manage to keep warm. But when it rained the last time here, I jumped just 190 centimetres. Zagreb is a special venue for me – I’ve performed here at least ten times. The track is great, as well as the people, and I really feel good here, ” said Blanka and added:
“I would like to break the world record at Hanžek once again!”
Meanwhile, on the track at the Hanžeković Memorial, the 110m Hurdles was won by Sergej Šubenkov with a time of 13:39 seconds ahead of Orlando Ortega (13:42) and Ronnie Ash (13:52). The current world record holder and Olympic Champion at the London games, American Aries Merritt came in at fourth place (13:58).
“I feel great after tonight’s victory. I made a lot of technical errors and hit quite a few hurdles, however when we look at the names of the contestants I’ve beaten and the conditions on the track, I can feel really pleased with myself”, said Šubenkov.
Find all the results of the meeting HERE