Preview: 2025 European Athletics Indoor Championships – Women’s Events

Wednesday, 05 March 2025

The 2025 European Athletics Indoor Championships in Apeldoorn, Netherlands, from March 6-9, promises an exciting showcase of talent, featuring some of the continent’s top female athletes. Two Olympic gold medallists from Paris 2024, Yaroslava Mahuchikh (high jump) and Yemisi Ogunleye (shot put), headline the competition. Additionally, four athletes who currently lead the 2025 world indoor season lists—Henriette Jaeger (400m, 50.44), Mahuchikh (high jump, 2.01m), Malaika Mihambo (long jump, 7.07m), and Saga Vanninen (pentathlon, 4843 points)—are set to contend for European titles.

60 Metres: Defending champion Mujinga Kambundji seeks back-to-back titles after winning in Istanbul 2023 with 7.00 seconds. She leads the European rankings this year with 7.03 and will face stiff competition from Zaynab Dosso, who secured bronze at the World Indoor Championships in Glasgow with 7.05, and former European champion Ewa Swoboda, who clocked 6.98 in the semifinals at Worlds. Patrizia Van der Weken, with a national record of 7.07, is also in strong contention. Other finalists could include Alexandra Burghardt, Maria Isabel Perez, Bianca Williams, and Amy Hunt.

400 Metres: Henriette Jaeger, the world indoor leader (50.44), is a top contender after reaching the Olympic final in Paris. She faces a strong challenge from Lieke Klaver, who won world indoor silver in 2024. Amber Anning (50.57) and Czech prospect Gloria Lurdes Manuel could be in the medal mix. Justyna Swiety-Ersetic, an experienced Polish runner, has also returned to form this season.

800 Metres: Swiss athlete Audrey Werro leads the European indoor rankings with 2:00.34 and is among several medal hopefuls. Poland’s Anna Wielgosz, Slovenia’s Anita Horvat (silver in 2023), and Slovakia’s Gabriela Gajanova are key contenders. Germany’s Majtie Kolberg and Italy’s Eloisa Coiro round out a deep field.

1500 Metres: Britain’s Georgia Bell Hunter, a Paris 2024 bronze medallist, is the favourite after setting a European-leading time of 4:00.63. Agathe Guillemot of France and Marta Zenoni of Italy are expected to challenge her. Poland’s Weronika Lizakowska and several rising stars could also feature in the medal battle.

3000 Metres: Melissa Courtney Bryant (8:28.69) is the European leader and a strong gold medal prospect. Ireland’s Sarah Healy, home favourite Maureen Koster, and promising talents such as Portugal’s Salomé Afonso and Germany’s Lea Mayer add depth to the competition.

60 Metres Hurdles: France’s Laeticia Bapté leads the European rankings (7.76) but faces a deep field, including defending champion Ditaji Kambundji (7.80) and two-time champion Nadine Visser. Poland’s Pia Skrzyszowska (7.79) and Ireland’s Sarah Lavin are also strong medal contenders.

High Jump: Yaroslava Mahuchikh is targeting a third consecutive European indoor title. The Ukrainian star, who holds the world indoor lead (2.01m), could join German legend Rosemarie Ackermann as a three-time champion. Serbia’s Angelina Topić, Germany’s Christina Honsel, and Britain’s Morgan Lake are also in the hunt.

Pole Vault: Switzerland’s Angelica Moser (4.76m) leads the field, followed by Czechia’s Amalie Svabikova and Slovenia’s Tina Šutej. French youngster Marie-Julie Bonnin and Italy’s Roberta Bruni (4.70m) could also challenge for medals.

Long Jump: Germany’s Malaika Mihambo (7.07m) seeks her first European indoor title. Italian silver medallist Larissa Iapichino (6.86m), Swiss heptathlete Annik Kälin, and Bulgaria’s Plamena Mitkova (6.97m) will push for the podium.

Triple Jump: Spain’s Ana Peleteiro Compaoré (14.85m) is the favourite, aiming for her third European title. Turkey’s Tugba Danışmaz (14.57m) and Finland’s Senni Salminen are her main rivals.

Shot Put: Olympic champion Yemisi Ogunleye (20.27m) will battle European outdoor champion Jessica Schilder, who thrives in Apeldoorn. Portugal’s Jessica Inchude and Germany’s Katharina Maisch (19.10m) are also medal threats.

Pentathlon: Saga Vanninen (4843 points) is the favourite following her dominant win in Tallinn. Dutch hopeful Sofie Dokter and Ireland’s Kate O’Connor will look to challenge her. Italy’s Sveva Gerevini, fourth at the 2024 World Indoors, is another contender.

4x400 Relay & Mixed Relay: Femke Bol leads the Dutch team in both relays, aiming for home-soil glory. The Netherlands faces strong competition from France, Great Britain, Ireland, Spain, and Czechia.

The 2025 European Athletics Indoor Championships will feature thrilling battles across multiple disciplines, with rising stars and established champions set to shine in Apeldoorn.