Arkansas alum repeats as silver medalist in European Indoor Championships
Arkansas Track and Field alum, Tina Šutej, won silver in the pole vault at the 2023 European Indoor Championships, clearing 15 feet, 7 inches (4.75) during the competition on Saturday.
The former Hog was not happy with her performance, though.
“I was preparing myself for a victory, so yes, I’m a little disappointed,” she said about her finish.
“I’ve been the best European pole vaulter this whole indoor season, and today I’m second. I will appreciate being the silver medalist, maybe tomorrow or in a week. Today I’ll just be a little sad and disappointed and mad at myself. I do appreciate it, obviously, every medal is special.”
Wilma Murto of Finland set an indoor national record of 15-9 (4.80) for the victory.
While at Arkansas, the native daughter of Slovenia was one of the best track athletes in the collegiate track & field, winning the 2011 NCAA Women’s Indoor Track and Field Championship.
Šutej entered the championships as the 2023 European leader with an overall career best and Slovenia national record of 15-9.75 (4.82), the second best in the world for the 2023 indoor season.
“My jumping was a little inconsistent today,” noted Šutej. “I was switching poles a lot, but I did a few really good jumps. Even the last one at 4.85 was good, but it was a little miss.”
