ROME – California track & field alumna Anna Purchase was the last of all seven athletes with Golden Bear connections to finish up competition at the European Championships, competing in the women's hammer final on Monday at Rome's Stadio Olimpico. Purchase, a two-time First-Team All-American at Cal and 2023 World finalist, was appearing in her second European Championships and first final, having fouled out in 2022; this time, the native of Great Britain placed much higher in the standings, finishing eighth overall after six throws.
 
Her third attempt, which sailed 69.24m (227-2) to qualify her for an extra three throws, ended up being Purchase's top mark of the night. Italy's Sara Fantini took home her first European gold with a season-best 74.18m (243-4), followed by world record-holder Anita Wlodarczyk of Poland's season-best 72.92m (239-3) and Rose Loga of France's personal-best 72.68m (238-5).
 
Purchase will now look ahead to the upcoming UK Championships on June 29-30 in Manchester, England, where she will attempt to qualify for a spot on the Olympic team.
 
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