Posted: February 19, 2009  :

(TPR) Athletics: Skolimowska, 2000 Olympic Hammer Throw Champion, Dies After Training Session

From Bob Ramsak
© 2009 TRACK PROFILE Report, all rights reserved

Polish media are reporting that Kamila Skolimowska, the 2000 Olympic champion in the hammer throw, died today after collapsing during a training session in Portugal. She was 26. According to several accounts, Skolimowska fainted during a training session after complaining earlier about feeling fatigued. Regaining consciousness, she fainted again and was rushed to a hospital but was not revived. The cause of death is yet to be determined. Just 17 in Sydney when the event was contested by women for the first time at an Olympic Games, Skolimowska was the youngest athlete to win an Olympic gold in track and field in 2000. A two-time medallist at the European Championships, Skolimowska was fourth at the 2004 Olympic Games, and at the 2001 and 2007 World Championships. Skolimowska broke the Polish national record several times, most recently in Doha, Qatar, in 2007, with a throw of 76.83m [252-0], which currently ranks her fourth among throwers all-time. Subscribe to the Runner's Web Weekly Digest