Silja Kosonen won the women’s hammer throw at the 2026 European Athletics Championships in Birmingham with 76.28 metres.
The Finnish thrower produced her winning mark in the third round at Alexander Stadium on 12 August. Italy’s defending champion Sara Fantini opened with 74.35 metres for silver, while Norway’s Beatrice Nedberge Llano won bronze with 72.88 metres.
The Birmingham title was Kosonen’s first senior major championship gold. Before it, she had already won European U20, European U23 and world U20 titles, establishing a strong junior record without yet claiming a senior championship crown.
Hammer throwers launch a metal ball attached to a wire and handle from a circular throwing area. Each athlete normally receives six attempts, with the longest legal throw determining the standings. Kosonen’s 76.28-metre effort gave her a clear winning margin.