Italy Clinches Back-to-Back European Team Championships Title in Madrid

Italy triumphed once again at the European Athletics Team Championships, sealing their second consecutive title with 431.5 points at Madrid’s Vallehermoso Stadium—surpassing their winning tally from 2023 (426). Poland (405.5) and Germany (397) completed the podium in a thrilling four-day competition that concluded Sunday, June 29. The Netherlands climbed to fourth, a leap from sixth place last year. The championships featured two world-leading marks, 13 championship records, five European leads, and 18 national records—underlining the event’s exceptional quality and depth.

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Women’s High Jump:

Olympic champion and world indoor record holder Yaroslava Mahuchikh was the only athlete to clear 2.00m. She opened with clean attempts at 1.91m and 1.94m, cleared 1.97m on her third try, and soared over 2.00m on her first attempt. She bowed out at 2.03m.

Mahuchikh: “I’m happy with the 16 points and clearing 2.00m on my first try. I aimed for the European record today, but it wasn’t the day. I’ll keep working toward Tokyo.”

Poland’s Maria Żodzik cleared 1.97m, an outdoor personal best, to finish second.

Women’s Long Jump:

Larissa Iapichino, European indoor champion, sat eighth with 6.64m before launching a winning 6.92m in the fifth round.

Iapichino: “I knew it was just a matter of finding rhythm. I’ve been consistent this season, and I’m thrilled to win here for the team.”

Malaika Mihambo jumped 6.84m for second on countback over Portugal’s Agate De Sousa. Swiss record-holder Annik Kälin placed fourth (6.78m).

Men’s Shot Put:

Italy’s Leonardo Fabbri dominated the shot put with five throws over 21m, culminating in 21.68m in the final round. Sweden’s Wictor Petersson threw 21.10m for second. Konrad Bukowiecki (20.55m) and Scott Lincoln (20.41m) followed. Ukraine’s Artem Levchenko set a PB of 20.36m.

Fabbri: “I hoped for 22m, but 21.68 in this heat is great. After a rough start to the season, I’ve found the joy again.”

Women’s 200 Metres:

Spain’s Jaël Bestué delivered a breakout performance, clocking 22.19 to break the championship and national records, lead Europe, and post the world’s seventh-fastest time this year.

Bestué: “I knew I had a shot at a PB, but this atmosphere was something else. Helping Spain close in on the podium is the best part.”

France’s Hélène Parisot set a PB of 22.42 at age 32, and Germany’s Sophia Junk clocked 22.53. Portugal’s Lorene Bazolo set a national record with 22.61.

Men’s 200 Metres:

Xavi Mo-Ayok of the Netherlands stormed to 20.01 (+1.8 m/s), setting a championship record, PB, and European lead.

Mo-Ayok: “I wanted sub-20 today, but I’m happy with the points and our shot at the team podium.”

Eseosa Desalu of Italy ran 20.18 (SB), and Britain’s Toby Harries clocked 20.25. Poland’s Igor Bogaczyński won the B race in 20.37.

Mixed 4x400m Relay:

Poland blazed to a championship record, world lead, and national record of 3:09.43, anchored by Natalia Kaczmarek in a 48.73 split. Italy (3:09.66 NR) edged Great Britain for second by 0.002 seconds. Spain finished fourth (3:10.48 NR).

Men’s 5000 Metres:

Dutch teenager Niels Laros kicked to victory in 13:44.25, ahead of Dominic Lobalu (13:45.37) and Thierry Ndikumwenayo (13:45.38). Germany’s Frederik Ruppert (13:47.31 SB) and Italy’s Yeman Crippa (13:48.03) rounded out the top five.

Laros: “I don’t often run the 5000, so I’m pleased. Our team’s overperforming—we were expected seventh, now we’re close to the podium.”

Women’s 1500 Metres:

France’s Agathe Guillemot won a tactical race in 4:08.72, outsprinting Portugal’s Salomé Afonso (4:09.01) and Britain’s Revee Walcott-Nolan (4:09.16).

Afonso: “I wanted to win, but second is strong. After the 800m yesterday, I’m proud of what I gave today.”

Men’s Javelin Throw:

Germany’s Julian Weber won with an opening-round throw of 85.15m. Ukraine’s Artur Felfner threw 80.54m (SB) for second, and Lithuania’s Edis Matusevičius took third with 78.26m.

Weber: “The green track, the music—it was perfect. I hit it on the first throw and got the 16 points. Everyone in our team gave their best.”

Women’s Javelin Throw:

Greek star Elina Tzengko dominated with 62.23m in round three after opening with 60.06m. Poland’s Maria Andrejczyk set a season’s best of 60.42m for second.

Tzengko: “Fourth win of the year—I'm proud. It feels amazing to help Greece avoid relegation.”

Men’s 1500 Metres:

Portugal’s Isaac Nader kicked home in 52 seconds for a 3:39.08 win over Dutch record holder Stefan Nillessen (3:39.97) and Poland’s Filip Rak (3:40.14).

Nader: “The team needed these points. Despite absences, we’re climbing up.”

Women’s 3000 Metres Steeplechase:

Finland’s Ilona Mononen won a tight finish in 9:49.21, narrowly edging Britain’s Sarah Tait (9:49.24) and Poland’s Kinga Królik (9:49.80).

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TEAM SCORE