Reigning European javelin champion Christin Hussong and last year’s discus winner Shanice Craft are two of the standout names on Germany’s team for the European Throwing Cup in Leiria, Portugal on 21-22 March.
Hussong is one of the stalwarts of the European Throwing Cup and she will be aiming for her second victory in this competition in Leiria after winning the U23 category in 2015. Hussong won the senior category in Arad, Romania the following year and finished second to Tatsiana Khaladovich - her predecessor as European champion in 2016 - twelve months ago in Samorin.
Their paths are likely to cross again next weekend and based on recent form, Khaladovich will begin as the favourite for the javelin title. The Belarusian started her season in sparkling form, setting a world lead of 67.17m at her domestic winter championships in Minsk.
Craft has started her season in similarly splendid form, setting a world best in the seldom contested indoor discus at the ISTAF Indoor in Berlin on 14 February with 64.03m. The multiple European bronze medallist also won this competition last year with 59.79m - a mark she will be looking to surpass if the conditions allow.
Craft will be joined on the German team by Anna Wierig (formerly Ruh) who makes her competitive debut under her married name. Her husband Martin Wierig will compete in the men’s discus along with Olympic bronze medallist Daniel Jasinski.
Former European U20 shot put champion Julia Ritter will contest both the shot put and the discus in the U23 division and former world U18 champion Timo Northoff, 20, will contest the U23 shot put in Leiria.
Full team here.