Tina Šutej repeats as silver medalist in European Indoor Championships

Shawn Price March 4, 2023

ISTANBUL, Turkey – Arkansas alum Tina Šutej repeated as a silver medalist in the pole vault at the 2023 European Indoor Championships held this weekend, clearing 15 feet, 7 inches (4.75) during the competition on Saturday.

Finland’s Wilma Murto set an indoor national record of 15-9 (4.80) for the victory. Last summer Murto claimed the European Outdoor title in Munich, Germany, with a national record of 15-11 (4.85) while Šutej placed third at 15-7.

Šutej entered the meet as the 2023 European leader with an overall career best and Slovenia national record of 15-9.75 (4.82), which is second best in the world for the 2023 indoor season.

“I was preparing myself for a victory, so yes I’m a little disappointed,” stated Šutej. “I’ve been the best European pole vaulter this whole indoor season and today I’m second.

“I will appreciate being the silver medalist, maybe tomorrow or in a week. Today I’ll just be a little sad and disappointed, and mad at myself. I do appreciate it, obviously every medal is special.”

After clearing an opening height of 14-7.25 (4.45) on first attempt, Šutej needed two attempts to clear the next three bars of 15-1 (4.60), 15-5 (4.70), and 15-7. Murto, meanwhile, cleared her first three bars on first attempts, but then needed three attempts to get over 15-7.

When Šutej missed a first attempt at 15-9 and Murto cleared on her first try, Šutej passed to the next height and had a pair of misses at 15-11 (4.85). Murto missed her first attempt at 15-11 and then passed to a championship record height of 16-1.25 (4.91).

“My jumping was a little inconsistent today,” noted Šutej. “I was switching poles a lot, but I did a few really good jumps. Even the last one at 4.85 was good, but it was a little miss.

“I’m just annoyed because I know I can jump this height and it’s still somehow evading me.”

Murto missed on her two remaining attempts to claim the championship record over the previous mark of 16-0.75 (4.90) set by Russia’s Yelena Isinbayeva in 2005.

This marked the sixth appearance by Šutej in the European Indoor Championships. In her first appearance back in 2007, Šutej became the youngest Slovenia athlete to compete at the Euro Indoors at the age of 18.

As the silver medalist in 2021, Šutej became the oldest Slovenia medalist at age 32. With a repeat silver medal this weekend, Šutej has increased that distinction to 34 years old.