The 75th edition of the Memorial Boris Hanzeković concluded in style on Saturday, May 24, with record-breaking performances, seasonal bests, and thrilling duels across disciplines at the Sports Club Mladost in Zagreb. The historic meet—founded in honor of the late hurdler Boris Hanzeković—featured elite athletes from across the globe, including Olympic and world champions, and delivered standout results in the throws, sprints, and middle-distance events.
Men’s Discus Throw:
European champion Kristjan Čeh set a new meeting record with a massive 72.34m in the sixth round, following earlier marks of 64.92m, 69.05m, and 70.06m. Alin Alexandru Firfirică finished second with 64.80m, ahead of Marek Farta (63.08m) and Martynas Alekna (62.28m).
Čeh: “I’m not surprised. Training has gone very well. Today was a great competition with good crowd and conditions. There’s still a lot of time before Worlds in Tokyo.”
Men’s 100 Metres:
South African junior star Bayanda Walaza stormed to a lifetime best of 9.94 to win the 100m, beating Germany’s Owen Ansah and Sweden’s Henrik Larsson (both 10.20). Reynier Mena followed in 10.22.
Walaza: “We aimed to show South Africa’s strength, but 9.94 exceeded expectations. It’s an honor. Zagreb is amazing—I'll be back.”
Women’s 1500 Metres:
World champion Gudaf Tsegay won in 3:58.14, improving the meeting record. Teen sensation Birke Haylom also broke 4:00 with 3:59.19.
Tsegay: “I had stomach issues before the race but I’m happy to start my outdoor season with a win.”
Men’s Hammer Throw:
France’s Yann Chaussinand threw a world lead of 81.91m in the third round, backed by consistent efforts over 76m. Mykhaylo Kokhan threw 80.36m, while Bence Halász (79.45m) and Pawel Fajdek (74.92m) followed.
Chaussinand: “It wasn’t perfect, but a great start. I’m eyeing the French record of 82.38m.”
Women’s Discus Throw:
Sandra Elkasević secured her 12th Zagreb win with 65.03m, leading a Croatian 1-2 over Marija Tolj (64.04m).
Elkasević: “This throw came from experience. I’m happy to share the podium with Marija.”
Women’s 200 Metres:
Julien Alfred took her European debut of the season in 22.15 (-0.8 m/s), ahead of Jael Bestué (22.92), Boglárka Takács (23.22), Sophia Junk (23.31), and Elisa Valensin (23.39).
Alfred: “I wanted to run faster, but May is early. I’m focused on building toward Tokyo.”
Women’s Triple Jump:
Shanieka Ricketts landed a seasonal best of 14.54m in the final round to secure her sixth Zagreb win. Neja Filipič (14.42m PB) and Maja Åskag (14.00m) completed the podium.
Ricketts: “It took time to warm up after Doha, but I’m thrilled to keep my winning streak alive here.”
Women’s 100 Metres Hurdles:
Alaysha Johnson clocked 12.82 (+1.1 m/s) for her second win in a week, narrowly ahead of Luca Kozák (12.88).
Johnson: “I focused on execution and stayed composed. This ends my European stint before returning to the U.S. for Diamond League races.”
Men’s 110 Metres Hurdles:
Dylan Beard took victory in 13.20, beating Omar McLeod (13.40) and Enzo Diessl (13.70).
Beard: “I hit a few hurdles, but I finished strong. My aim is to make the U.S. team for Tokyo.”
Men’s 800 Metres:
Britain’s Justin Davies edged out Algeria’s Slimane Moula (1:44.87 to 1:45.05), with Croatia’s Marino Bloudek third in 1:45.52.
Men’s 5000 Metres:
Kenya’s Denis Kipkoech (18) won a tight 5000m in 13:03.17, holding off Andrew Kiptoo Alamisi (13:03.30) and Ethiopia’s Biniam Mehary (13:03.57).
Women’s 400 Metres:
Spain’s Paula Sevilla (51.09) edged Ireland’s Sharlene Mawdsley (51.14) in a close finish. Gabby Scott (51.37) and Anna Polinari (51.81) followed.
Women’s 800 Metres:
Slovenia’s Anita Horvat won a tactical race in 2:01.29 ahead of Britain’s Isabelle Boffey (2:02.09).
Women’s 400 Metres Hurdles:
Norway’s Amalie Iuel triumphed in 55.06, narrowly ahead of Germany’s Elena Kelety (55.16).
Women’s Javelin Throw:
New Zealand’s Tori Peeters (née Moorby) launched 61.96m to beat local star Sara Kolak (61.20m).
Men’s Long Jump:
Japan’s Yuka Hashioka leapt 8.00m in the second round to beat Croatia’s Filip Pravdica (7.98m) and Roko Farkas (7.83m).