Historic Records and Surprise Performances Mark Day 2 of the European Athletics Indoor Championships
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The second day of the 2025 European Athletics Indoor Championships in Apeldoorn, Netherlands, delivered electrifying performances, historic records, and intense rivalries. From record-breaking sprints to nail-biting finishes in jumping and distance events, the competition showcased the best of European indoor athletics. Swiss hurdler Ditaji Kambundji stole the spotlight with a stunning European record, while Norway's Jakob Ingebrigtsen continued his dominance in middle-distance events. The day's action also saw thrilling victories in the men’s long jump and hurdles, as well as promising performances in the 400m and heptathlon.
Kambundji Breaks European Record in 60m Hurdles Final
Former European U20 and U23 champion Ditaji Kambundji claimed her first European indoor gold in the women’s 60m hurdles, setting a new European record of 7.67 seconds, surpassing Susanna Kallur’s previous mark by 0.01 seconds. Kambundji’s time also ranks second on the world all-time list, just 0.02 seconds shy of the world record held by Devynne Charlton. The Netherlands’ Nadine Visser clinched silver with a Dutch record of 7.72, securing her fourth consecutive medal at the European Indoor Championships. Poland’s Pia Skrzyszowska completed the podium with bronze in 7.83.
An emotional Kambundji reflected on her achievement, stating, “I had my cry down there, but talking to the media helps me process what just happened. I set myself a goal, I knew what I had to do, and I delivered under pressure. Seeing my family in the crowd, celebrating with them—it’s an amazing feeling.”
Men’s 60m Hurdles Final: Szymanski Takes Gold
Poland’s Jakub Szymanski stormed to victory in the men’s 60m hurdles final, clocking 7.43 seconds to hold off France’s Wilhelm Belocian (7.45). Just Kwaou Mathey secured bronze in 7.50, narrowly edging Spain’s Abel Jordan (7.54).
Szymanski, ecstatic with his win, said, “Expectations and pressure were high, but I am very strong indoors. Winning this gold medal is a dream come true. Next, I aim to compete for a medal at the World Indoor Championships in Nanjing.”
Men’s Long Jump: Saraboyukov Wins Gold in Dramatic Fashion
Bulgaria’s Bozhidar Saraboyukov triumphed in the men’s long jump with a dramatic final-round effort of 8.13m, surpassing Italy’s Mattia Furlani by just one centimeter. Spain’s Lester Lescay secured bronze with 8.10m in a closely contested event.
Saraboyukov reflected on his victory, saying, “I did not expect such a big jump in the last attempt, but I gave it my all. This gold is special as it is my first at the senior level. However, I know I need to improve further for global competitions like the Olympics.”
Ingebrigtsen Claims Third Consecutive 1500m Title
Norwegian sensation Jakob Ingebrigtsen won his third straight European Indoor 1500m title, finishing in 3:36.56. France’s Azzedine Habz secured silver in 3:36.92, while Portugal’s Isaac Nader took bronze in 3:37.10. Ingebrigtsen aims to complete a historic 1500m/3000m double for the third consecutive time in these championships.
Discussing his strategy, Ingebrigtsen said, “I stayed relaxed in the first half before making my move. There was never a doubt in my mind, but you always take a chance in racing. Now, I need to recover and prepare for the 3000m final.”
Guillemot Triumphs in Women’s 1500m
France’s Agathe Guillemot secured the biggest victory of her career, winning gold in the women’s 1500m with 4:07.23. Portugal’s Salomé Afonso took silver (4:07.66), while Great Britain’s Revee Walcott-Nolan edged Georgia Bell for bronze in 4:08.45.
Guillemot, overwhelmed with joy, stated, “I could celebrate during the last 100m—it was an incredible feeling. Winning against Olympic medalists makes this victory even more special.”
Peleteiro Compaoré Strikes Gold in Women’s Triple Jump
Spain’s Ana Peleteiro Compaoré reclaimed the European Indoor triple jump title with a winning leap of 14.37m. Romania’s Diana Ana Maria Ion won silver with a personal best of 14.31m, while Finland’s Senni Salminen secured bronze with 13.99m.
Peleteiro Compaoré, emotional after her win, said, “This season has been tough, but I trusted my coach and husband. Winning gold under these circumstances is incredibly rewarding.”
Heptathlon Standings After Day 1: Skotheim Leads
Norway’s Sander Skotheim leads the men’s heptathlon after four events, accumulating 3689 points. Switzerland’s Simon Ehammer trails in second with 3627 points, while Germany’s Till Steinforth is third with 3558. Skotheim’s performance in the high jump (2.19m) played a crucial role in securing his overnight lead.
400m Semifinals: Molnar and Klaver Shine
Hungary’s Attila Molnar clocked 45.48 in the men’s 400m semifinals, the fastest semifinal time in European Indoor Championship history. Poland’s Maksymilian Szwed (45.78) and Spain’s Inaki Canal (46.24) also advanced to the final.
In the women’s 400m, Lieke Klaver (51.15) and Paula Sevilla (51.23) won their respective semifinals, setting the stage for an exciting final.
Looking Ahead
Day 3 promises more action with the men’s 3000m final featuring Jakob Ingebrigtsen, the conclusion of the heptathlon, and key finals in sprints and field events. With records being shattered and new champions rising, the 2025 European Athletics Indoor Championships continues to deliver world-class competition.
