Italy Surges to the Top on Day 3 of the European Athletics Team Championships in Madrid
Title defenders Italy have climbed to the top of the standings with 290 points after three days of competition at the European Athletics Team Championships First Division in Madrid. Germany follows with 266 points, while Poland sits third with 256.5. Early leaders the Netherlands have slipped to fourth (253.5), narrowly ahead of Great Britain (252) and host nation Spain (249). With standout performances across the board—including championship records, national marks, and thrilling head-to-head finishes—Day 3 set the stage for a dramatic final day on Sunday, June 29.
Women’s 100 Metres Hurdles:
European indoor champion Ditaji Kambundji edged Olympic finalist Nadine Visser in a dramatic photo finish, both clocking 12.39. Although wind-assisted, the time was an impressive early-season mark. European bronze medallist Pia Skrzyszowska finished third with 12.60, just ahead of Italy’s Giada Carmassi, who set a personal best of 12.62.
Ditaji Kambundji: “It was amazing. Whenever Visser and I race, we push each other. The time wasn’t wind-legal, but it shows I’m in good shape. I’m thrilled both Jason Joseph and I won for Switzerland—it’s a proud moment.”
Men’s Long Jump:
Olympic and world champion Miltiadis Tentoglou soared to a world-leading 8.46m in the second round, smashing the championship record. Sweden’s Thobias Montler jumped 8.08m to finish second, while Italy’s Mattia Furlani (8.07m) edged Poland’s Piotr Tarkowski (8.02m) for third.
Miltiadis Tentoglou: “This was an important win for Greece. All the top international jumpers were here, and to beat them means a lot.”
Men’s 110 Metres Hurdles:
Jason Joseph of Switzerland defended his title in 13.24, holding off European champion Lorenzo Simonelli (13.27). Britain’s Tade Ojora placed third in a seasonal best of 13.36.
Jason Joseph: “Simonelli gave me a tough battle. Madrid is always special—great track, great energy, and it’s where I know I can run fast.”
Men’s 4x100 Metres Relay:
The Dutch men blazed to a national, championship, and European-leading record of 37.87. Germany followed in 38.27, with Great Britain (38.33) and Italy (38.46) rounding out the top four. Czechia won the B race in 38.59, also a national record.
Team Netherlands: “We’re hyped. We’ve worked hard for this and getting that World Championships spot with a record makes it even better.”
Women’s 4x100 Metres Relay:
The Netherlands made it a relay double, winning the women’s final in a national and championship record of 42.02. Spain clocked a national record of 42.11 for second, with Germany third in 42.52. Greece took the B race in 43.26.
Team Netherlands: “It’s special to break records on the same day for both relays. We’ve grown so much as a team. Our dream now is a medal in Tokyo.”
Men’s Discus Throw:
Sweden’s world champion Daniel Stahl retained his title with a third-round throw of 68.36m. Germany’s Mika Sosna opened with 66.17m for second, and Britain’s Lawrence Okoye launched 65.83m to take third.
Daniel Stahl: “My goal was to score max points. I’m proud to help the team. Our captain reminded us to enjoy the moment and give our best.”
Women’s Hammer Throw:
Poland’s Anita Włodarczyk made a triumphant return, winning with a seasonal best of 73.34m—her best in over two years. Finland’s Silja Kosonen was second with 73.09m, while Britain’s Anna Purchase (71.41m) and Italy’s Sara Fantini (70.56m) completed the top four.
Anita Wlodarczyk: “It feels great to win 16 points for Poland with a season’s best. Everything here—from the atmosphere to the organization—was perfect.”
Women’s 800 Metres:
France’s Anaïs Bourgoin surged in the final lap (57.50) to win in a championship record 1:58.60. Switzerland’s Audrey Werro ran 1:58.76 for second. Italy’s Eloisa Coiro clocked 1:59.88 for third, narrowly ahead of Lithuania’s Gabija Galvydyte (1:59.96) and Poland’s Anna Wielgosz (2:00.10).
Audrey Werro: “It was a tight race and a great learning experience. Second place is a great start to the season.”
Men’s 400 Metres Hurdles:
Czechia’s Vit Müller took the win in 48.46, edging Britain’s Alastair Chalmers (48.64) and Switzerland’s Julien Bonvin (48.66). Italy’s Alessandro Sibilio finished fourth in 48.94.
Vit Müller: “It means a lot to win here. The Spanish crowd’s energy was incredible, and it really pushed me.”
Women’s 400 Metres Hurdles:
Portugal’s Fatoumata Diallo pulled off a surprise victory in a seasonal best of 54.77. Italy’s Ayomide Folorunso (54.88) and Britain’s Lina Nielsen (54.90) also went sub-55.
Fatoumata Diallo: “I was ranked fourth on paper, so this was a huge surprise. It’s my first European win—unbelievable to earn 16 points for Portugal.”
Men’s High Jump:
Jan Štefela of Czechia cleared a personal best of 2.33m to win the high jump. Italy’s Matteo Sioli jumped 2.27m for second, and Germany’s Tobias Potye cleared 2.24m for third.
Jan Štefela: “Everything clicked today. I love the unique venue and fast track—it helped me reach new heights.”
Women’s Triple Jump:
Germany’s Caroline Joyeux responded to Sweden’s Maja Åskag (14.18m) with a final-round leap of 14.42m to win the women’s triple jump. Italy’s Erika Saraceni broke her national U20 record with 14.08m for third.
Caroline Joyeux: “This is the most important win of my career. I’ve never won an international competition before, and now I’ve helped Germany with big points. It was thrilling!”
