MINSK, 27 June (BelTA) – Over 130 Belarusian athletes have won spots in 25 sports of the forthcoming Summer Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, BelTA learnt from the press service of the National Olympic Committee.
The Belarusian field and track athletes came through the 2016 Olympics qualification of the national championships in Grodno last weekend. Irina Yakoltsevich claimed the country's champion title in pole vaulting with the result of 4.50 meters. Artyom Bondarenko, Dmitry Plotnitsky and Maxim Nesterenko secured Olympic berths in the men's triple jump.
Hammer thrower Ivan Tikhon confirmed his high level with his 80.04m attempt.
Runner Alina Talay also claimed the national champion title in the 100m Hurdles in 12.71 seconds. She is currently ranked 6th in the world.
Anastasia Puzakova won the 3000m Hurdles gold (9:53.23) in Grodno to represent Belarus at the European Athletics Championships in Amsterdam on 6-10 July.
The Belarusian Athletics Championships in Grodno were attended by President of the European Athletics Association Svein Arne Hansen and Chairman of the Estonian Athletics Association Erich Teigamagi. They praised the organizational level of the competitions and expressed confidence that Belarus is able to host high-level athletics tournaments.
