The Dutch team has taken a commanding lead after day two of the European Athletics Team Championships in Madrid, underlining their status as serious contenders for the overall title.
With 165.5 points, the Netherlands now sits comfortably atop the standings, ahead of Spain (134) and defending champions Italy (133).
Four events have so far been won by athletes from Team NL, including a standout 400 meters performance from Femke Bol, who blazed to victory in a championship record of 49.48 seconds. The reigning world champion in the 400m hurdles traded barriers for the flat lap and delivered emphatically in the Spanish heat.
Jorinde van Klinken secured the Netherlands’ fourth event win with a dominant showing in the discus throw. Her first attempt landed at 64.61 meters. A distance none of her competitors could match, earning the team a maximum 16 points. Van Klinken’s victory added to earlier triumphs by Bol, Jessica Schilder in the shot put, and Menno Vloon, who claimed the pole vault title during a special event held on Thursday in front of Madrid’s royal palace.
Schilder, the European champion from Volendam, waited until her fifth attempt to land her best throw of 20.14 meters. The mark secured valuable points for the Dutch campaign.
Afrifa Impresses in Sprints
In the sprints, Elvis Afrifa impressed with a personal best of 10.10 seconds in the 100 meters to finish second. Minke Bisschops (100m) and Diane van Es (5000m) added depth with third-place finishes.
The championships tend to conclude on Sunday, June 29. The Dutch squad, guided by head coach Laurent Meuwly, will look to maintain their lead and clinch the overall crown.
Meanwhile, action in the Second Division kicks off today, with teams like Slovenia eyeing promotion. The lower divisions also form a crucial part of the European Athletics Team Championships’ structure, offering developing nations a path toward the top tier.