After European bronze, Gailums unsure if he'll finish the season

Latvian javelin thrower Patriks Gailums, 28, won a bronze medal at the European Championships with a throw of 82.97 metres achieved on his third attempt. It marks his best result to date in top-level competition.

The athlete said simply reaching the championships felt like a major achievement after a long and uncertain rehabilitation process. He noted that during the competition he felt at ease in the atmosphere created by the crowd and their support.

Future plans still open

Gailums is not rushing to decide on his next steps. He said he still needs to assess his overall circumstances before knowing whether he will continue competing this season or bring it to a close. Looking further ahead, he named the 2027 World Championships in Beijing and the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles as his next major goals, adding that he plans to keep moving forward regardless of what lies ahead.

Balancing sport with work

Alongside his athletic career, Gailums works as head of the sales department at equipment rental company "Kono". He said that even after returning from the European Championships, work duties were waiting for him, and credited a supportive team and understanding clients for helping him balance both. When his coach is in Riga, training takes place before midday; otherwise, sessions are held in the evening after work.

Gailums added that combining serious work with training is nothing new for him, as he balanced school and university studies alongside training from a young age. He has been coached by Gints Palameiks for the past six years.