Yemisi Mabry Secures Bronze in Shot Put at European Championships

First German Medal: Mabry Wins Bronze at European Championships

Date: 10.08.2026 • 21:15 Uhr

Following her wedding, shot put Olympic champion Yemisi Mabry has added another highlight to her remarkable year. The 27-year-old athlete clinched the bronze medal in Birmingham with a throw of 19.50 meters, mirroring her achievement from two years ago and giving the German team a strong start at the European Athletics Championships.

Mabry, who competed under her maiden name Ogunleye when she won gold in Paris, achieved her best throw on her fifth attempt. She initially set the bronze medal pace with her first throw of 19.20 meters, which would have been sufficient for third place. Despite three invalid attempts that followed, the competition ended on a positive note for her. "I fought hard for this medal. I’m super satisfied with 19.50 meters and especially with the bronze," she expressed in an interview with Sportschau.

World champion Jessica Schilder secured her third consecutive continental gold, with a remarkable throw of 20.73 meters, marking the longest shot put distance in the European Championships in 28 years. The silver medal went to fellow Dutch athlete Jorinde van Klinken, who celebrated a personal best with a throw of 19.64 meters.

Ogunleye: "The Focus Was on Myself"

Mabry, who had thrown the best distance of 19.25 meters in the morning qualification round, faced some internal struggles before her best attempt of the evening. A loud "Neiiiiiin" echoed through the Alexander Stadium after her fourth attempt, but she ultimately achieved her desired distance.

Initially, the Olympic champion (who had thrown exactly 20 meters at the Games) aimed to deliver a standout performance right from her first attempt. However, she felt a lack of explosiveness compared to her competitors, which did not deter her. "The focus was on myself. I viewed each attempt as a new opportunity," she stated.

Maisch and Ndubuise in the Top 8

For Mabry, this bronze medal ranks among her greatest successes since her sensational gold in Paris two years ago, where she surprised the competition as an underdog. Just months prior, she had also secured third place at the European Championships in Rome.

Additionally, two other German shot putters made their mark by finishing in the top eight. Katharina Maisch placed seventh with a throw of 18.39 meters, while Nina Chioma Ndubuisi, competing in her first major final, earned eighth place with a distance of 18.21 meters.