The World Athletics Championships concluded yesterday in Tokyo, and while the global spotlight was dominated by the United States, Kenya, and Jamaica, the countries of Central Europe also left their mark—albeit in a modest fashion. Collectively, Poland, Czechia, Hungary, Slovakia, and Slovenia secured a handful of medals, with no nation managing to claim gold.

Poland’s biggest highlight came from Maria Żodzik, who captured a silver medal in the women’s high jump. Her performance offered a much-needed lift for the Polish delegation, which otherwise struggled to replicate past successes in throwing events and race walking, traditionally the country’s strongholds. For Czechia and Hungary, the championships yielded one bronze medal each, symbolic results that nevertheless kept their nations on the scoreboard.

Slovakia found cause for celebration when Emma Zapletalová clinched a bronze in the women’s 400-meter hurdles, confirming her status as one of the country’s most promising athletes. Slovenia, meanwhile, relied on the experience of Tina Šutej, who secured a bronze in the pole vault—an event in which she has been a consistent presence on the international stage.

Taken together, Central Europe’s medal haul was modest: one silver and four bronzes. Yet, in a championship defined by fierce competition and record-breaking performances, these results should not be underestimated. They testify to the resilience of smaller sporting nations that continue to produce world-class competitors despite limited resources and the dominance of global athletic powerhouses.

The lesson for Central Europe is clear: while the pathway to gold remains steep, the region still nurtures individuals capable of standing on the podium. For fans and federations alike, the Tokyo results may serve as both a reminder of the challenges ahead and an encouragement to invest further in the next generation of athletes.