The 17th edition of the Liese prokop Memorial witnessed outstanding performances from Austrian athletes at the Lower Austria sports center.Karin Strametz particularly shone, setting a new local record in the 100 meters hurdles.The Styrian athlete surpassed Beate Taylor‘s 13-year-old record by one-hundredth of a second, winning wiht a time of 12.81 seconds.

“The record was always a goal and a dream of mine,” said Strametz. “When Beate ran her record, I looked up at her as a young athlete, then I was allowed to run against her for a few years and now I ran as quickly as she was, that’s something special. I had a lot of respect for this brand, it is an honour to be able to keep this record now,” the 27-year-old added.

Home Wins for Hudson and Weißhaidinger

“The record was always a goal and a dream of mine,” said Strametz.

Victoria Hudson also celebrated a home victory. After being unable to compete in St. Pölten the previous year due to injury, she secured a win with a throw of 59.59 meters on Thursday. The Laxenburg native narrowly missed her own stadium record by 22 centimeters.

“I had fun today, because I’m always happy to throw and win at home in front of family and friends,” said Hudson, while also noting areas for advancement. “A few details do not go completely together, something still lacks the feeling. But it is indeed critically important that I attack the throws and go in full, the rest will come in the next few weeks,” Hudson stated.

Discus thrower Lukas Weißhaidinger echoed a similar sentiment. The Austrian athlete celebrated his fifth victory in St. Pölten but expressed dissatisfaction with his throw of 61.02 meters. “I felt a little weak,the tailwind made the whole thing a little ungrateful. we are certainly not yet where we were at this time last year,” said Weißhaidinger, who aims to be in peak condition for the World Cup in Tokyo in September.

Diessl Thrilled with World Cup Qualification

Enzo Diessl added another highlight for Austria. The 21-year-old Styrian improved his previous best in the 110 meters hurdles and qualified for the World Cup in Tokyo with a time of 13.20 seconds. “My goal for this year was the direct limit, I sworn to make it. But I didn’t expect the time now. it is unbelievable, I am proud of that,” says Diessl.

Other home victories at the Liese Prokop Memorial included Caroline Bredlinger in the 800 meters (2:01.17 minutes) and Endiorass Kingley in the triple jump (16.41 meters).Local favorite Magdalena Lindner secured third place in the 100 meters (11.26 seconds), while Markus Fuchs, after a long injury break, finished fourth in 10.43 seconds.