Rachel Akers once again proved her mettle on the European stage, when she clinched her second gold medal at the European Masters Athletics Championships held in Torun, Poland. Building on her earlier success in the discus competition, where she secured the top spot just a day prior, Akers showcased her dominance in the hammer event, solidifying her status as one of the premier athletes in her field.
Akers recalled the weather being cold and windy on that Monday morning for the hammer competition, but given the fact that snow had fallen the previous day, she told Run Republic that she was quite happy with the conditions.
Akers' exceptional performance came to fruition in the second round of the hammer competition, where she unleashed her best throw of 54.14 meters. Despite the cold and windy conditions, Akers demonstrated remarkable consistency throughout her series of throws, with several exceeding the 52-metre mark. Her relentless pursuit of excellence paid off, as she not only secured another gold medal but also set a new national record and achieved a personal best in the process.
"I knew there was more in the tank, and I was searching for it," Akers remarked, highlighting her drive for continuous improvement. Her outstanding series of throws, consistently surpassing the 52-meter threshold, left her competitors trailing by a significant margin. Akers' dominance was evident as she finished a remarkable nine metres ahead of the runner-up, a testament to her training regimen.
Akers' success in the hammer competition added to her earlier triumph in the discus event, where she also set a national record and achieved a personal best. Remarkably, she accomplished both feats within the first two days of the competition, showcasing her unparalleled talent in the events.
Speaking on her achievements, Akers expressed her delight at setting new records while emphasising the rigorous training regimen she adhered to leading up to the championships. "Six days per week for six months to ensure that," she revealed, underscoring the immense effort and sacrifice behind her success.
As Akers stood atop the podium once again, her remarkable performance served as an inspiration to athletes worldwide. With her sights set on future competitions, Rachel Akers continues to etch her name in the annals of athletics history, leaving an indelible mark on the sport.
Stay tuned to Run Republic where we will cover Akers' third and final gold medal in Torun and look ahead at what's to come!