Born: 2002
Biography:
Elina Tzengko, born on September 2, 2002, is a Greek javelin thrower who has made a significant impact on the world of athletics. Her remarkable journey has been filled with extraordinary achievements and has established her as one of the most talented athletes in Greek classical sport.
Tzengko was born in Greece to Albanian immigrants and grew up in Nea Kallikrateia, Chalkidiki. From a young age, she displayed an affinity for athletics, initially throwing small balls around the age of seven. Soon, her passion and talent for javelin throwing became evident. At the age of 11, she started handling the javelin and quickly showed promise in the sport.
Driven by her competitive spirit and dedication, Tzengko joined the sports club A.S. Kentavros Neas Kallikrateias, where she honed her skills and continued to excel. Her determination and hard work paid off when she received Greek citizenship on June 22, 2018, a significant milestone in her career.
In 2021, Tzengko embarked on her academic journey at the School of Physical Education and Sports Science of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, furthering her commitment to both her athletic and educational pursuits.
Tzengko’s breakthrough came in 2018 when she competed in the European Athletics Under-18 Championships in Hungary and secured a commendable seventh place. However, it was at the Summer Youth Olympics in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where she truly made her mark. With throws measuring an impressive 63.34 meters and 61.74 meters, she clinched the gold medal, solidifying her status as one of Europe’s top female athletes of the month, as recognized by European Athletics.
Continuing her meteoric rise, Tzengko set a world U18 best of 65.90 meters in May of the following year at the Panhellenic School Championships in Ioannina. Her exceptional talent and dedication propelled her to even greater heights when, on August 1, 2020, at the Greek U20 Championships held in Ioannina, she threw a world U20 record of 63.96 meters. However, due to the absence of immediate anti-doping control following the competition, World Athletics did not officially recognize the record.
In July 2021, Tzengko showcased her prowess by becoming the European U20 champion, a testament to her consistent and remarkable performances. The following month, at the World U20 Championships in Nairobi, Kenya, she secured the silver medal with a throw of 59.60 meters, further attesting to her undeniable talent on the global stage.
The pinnacle of Tzengko’s career thus far came on August 20, 2022. At the European Championships held in Munich, Tzengko, at only 19 years old, achieved a personal best of 65.81 meters and claimed the gold medal. Her outstanding performance made history, as she became the youngest ever javelin and Greek European champion, the first teenager to win a European throwing title, and the youngest athlete, regardless of gender, to win her discipline at the Europeans.
Recognizing Tzengko’s incredible achievements, she was awarded the prestigious European Athletics Rising Star award in October 2022. As the first Greek athlete to receive this honor, she solidified her status as a prominent figure in the world of athletics.
Elina Tzengko’s remarkable journey, characterized by unwavering dedication, perseverance, and exceptional talent, positions her as a role model for aspiring athletes. Her remarkable accomplishments have left an indelible mark on women’s history, inspiring future generations to pursue their dreams and push the boundaries of what is possible in the world of athletics.
Awards:
– Gold Medal, European Athletics Championships 2022
– Gold Medal, Summer Youth Olympics 2018
– European Athletics Rising Star Award 2022