Katarina Johnson-Thompson has indicated that she may consider retiring from heptathlon after finishing last in a disappointing campaign at the European Championships. The 33-year-old athlete recorded one of the lowest heptathlon scores of her career, finishing 21st out of 21 competitors with 5,790 points.
Johnson-Thompson, who had been dealing with a calf issue, appeared to be running at a reduced pace during the final 800m event. This performance marked her second-worst score in 16 major events over 14 years as a professional. Despite skipping the Commonwealth Games to prepare for the European Championships, she struggled to achieve race shape in Birmingham, where Ireland's Kate O'Connor won the title with 6,751 points.
Earlier in the competition, Johnson-Thompson posted a long jump of 5.77m, forfeiting her subsequent attempts. Her javelin throw was 36.92m, and her 800m time was 2:24.92, performances significantly below her personal bests.
Questions about Johnson-Thompson's ability to continue competing at an elite level, particularly with the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics in mind, are now prominent. She stated that she needs to contemplate her future, especially if she cannot remain competitive. "The hunger is definitely still there and I love this event so much," Johnson-Thompson said, adding that she is trying to stay in the moment.
Her fellow British athlete, Laura Muir, also 33 and hampered by injury, did not qualify for the 1500m final. Georgia Hunter Bell, 32, is considered a favorite for an upcoming event and reflected on her own journey, having become a professional athlete only a few years ago after working in an office for seven years.