In a remarkable display of talent and determination, French decathlete Makenson Gletty secured a bronze medal at the European Athletics Championships in Rome, signaling his emergence as a major contender in the sport.
This achievement not only highlights his progress but also sets the stage for a promising performance at the upcoming Paris Olympics.
Read mlore:
- From misfire to triumph: Makenson Gletty overcomes sound failure to smash record at European Athletics Championships
- A Night of Twists: French athlete Alice Finot’s dramatic journey from disqualification to gold at European Athletics Championships
Stepping out from the shadows
At just 25 years old, Gletty has moved from the periphery to center stage by outperforming his more famous compatriot, world record holder Kevin Mayer, who finished fifth. Gletty’s score of 8,606 points, bolstered by personal bests in four of the ten decathlon events, not only secured his podium finish but also his spot at the Paris Olympics.
Olympic 100m champion Marcell Jacobs struggles ahead of Paris 2024
Gletty’s path to the podium
Despite not delivering a flawless decathlon, Gletty’s achievements in Rome reflect his substantial growth in the sport. His journey was marked by a notable performance in the 110 meters hurdles, where he was initially hindered by a malfunctioning starting speaker but given a chance to rerun, which he completed in an impressive 13.88 seconds.
The coaching influence
Guided by coach Rudy Bourguignon at Nice Côte d’Azur Athlétisme for the past eighteen months, Gletty has seen significant improvement. Bourguignon’s tailored coaching approach has helped Gletty refine his technique and mental game, contributing to a rapid increase in his scoring potential by 450 points since their partnership began.
This is why we love the decathlon 🔥
After two days of action, all the competitors come together to celebrate their achievements 🙌
This was the podium at the European Championships 🏆
🥇 Johannes Erm 🇪🇪 (8764 points)
🥈 Sander Skotheim 🇳🇴 (8635 points)
🥉 Makenson Gletty 🇫🇷… pic.twitter.com/G4Gb0gmqxD— AW (@AthleticsWeekly) June 11, 2024
Olympic aspirations
With the European Championships serving as a stepping stone, Gletty views the upcoming Paris Olympics as the ultimate test of his abilities. He remains focused on honing his skills, particularly in events like the javelin and discus, where he sees room for scoring improvement.
Mentorship and motivation
Competing alongside and sometimes outshining Kevin Mayer has provided Gletty with both inspiration and a benchmark for what is achievable. Mayer’s presence and support have been instrumental in Gletty’s development, offering a model of excellence and competitive spirit that Gletty aims to emulate.
What’s next ?
As he prepares for the Olympics, Gletty is conscious of the need to enhance his performance in certain disciplines to maximize his medal potential. His progress under Bourguignon’s mentorship and his recent success in Rome have set a solid foundation, but the true test will come on the Olympic stage.
Significant talent in decathlon
Makenson Gletty’s rise from a relative unknown to a bronze medallist at the European Championships marks him as a significant talent in decathlon. His performance in Rome is not just a personal victory but a beacon of hope for France’s Olympic ambitions, suggesting that Gletty could be a key figure in the nation’s athletic future.
Armand Duplantis defies the wind to soar over six meters in Ostrava!
This article explores Makenson Gletty’s triumphant emergence as a top decathlete, culminating in a bronze medal at the European Championships and a secured spot at the upcoming Paris Olympics. His journey reflects both personal growth and the effective mentorship of coach Rudy Bourguignon, setting expectations high for his Olympic debut.
