Kanter Takes Silver at European Championships

Discus thrower and Olympic gold medalist Gerd Kanter won a silver medal at the European Athletics Championships in Helsinki, Finland on Saturday with his 66.53-meter throw.

Gerd Kanter won silver at the European Athletics Championships.Kanter was bested by 27-year-old Robert Harting of Germany, who managed 68.30 meters, sport.err.ee reported. Close on Kanter's tail stood Zoltan Kövago, whose furthest throw was 66.42 meters, losing to the 33-year-old Estonian athlete by only 11 centimeters. He was followed by Netherlands' Rutger Smith (64.02 meters) and Mario Pestano (63.87 meters).

"It is clear that I came here for a medal, but I still had the desire to give [Harting] a tougher battle and fight for the gold medal," Kanter told ETV after the competition.

Kanter remains positive with the Olympics only a week away. "The Estonian people do not have to be too worried about me. I am an experienced athlete and together with my coach we are moving in the right direction. Keep your fingers crossed and everything will go well," he said.

Estonian Public Broadcasting