The European Athletics Championships are currently taking place at Alexander Stadium in Birmingham, marking the first time this prestigious event is being hosted in Great Britain. Running from August 10 to August 16, the championships feature a robust team of 94 British athletes, all vying for the top position in the medals table.
Among the standout performers for the British squad are reigning 800m champion Keely Hodgkinson, sprinter Dina Asher-Smith, and local favorite Matthew Hudson-Smith. Other notable athletes include Katarina Johnson-Thompson, Amy Hunt, Georgia Hunter Bell, and team captain Jake Wightman. The competition is fierce, with athletes from 49 nations competing for a total of 50 gold medals, including the introduction of a mixed 4x100m relay.
This year’s championships boast a remarkable lineup, featuring 10 world champions and seven Olympic champions. The presence of global stars such as Sweden's Armand Duplantis, Norway's Jakob Ingebrigtsen, and Italy's Marcell Jacobs adds to the excitement of the event.
The BBC provides extensive coverage of the championships across multiple platforms, including BBC One, BBC Two, BBC iPlayer, Radio 5 Live, and the BBC Sport website and app. Fans can also follow the action on social media channels, including YouTube, ensuring they don't miss a moment of the competition.
One athlete to watch is Amy Hunt, who is aiming to make history by winning four gold medals at these championships. After clinching the 100m gold on Monday, the 24-year-old is set to compete in the 200m on Thursday, the women's 4x100m relay on Saturday, and the mixed 4x100m relay on Sunday. Hunt expressed her ambition, stating, "Yes, I am looking to be iconic. I want to do what nobody has ever done before. This is the closest I am ever going to get to a home crowd in my entire career."
Dina Asher-Smith, a seasoned competitor with six European golds and two silvers, is also a key figure in the championships. She has the opportunity to surpass the record of seven golds held by Croatian discus thrower Sandra Perkovic and Jakob Ingebrigtsen. Asher-Smith is expected to compete in the women's 200m and relays, aiming to further solidify her legacy in European athletics.
Matthew Hudson-Smith, who has a stand named after him at Alexander Stadium, is looking to add to his impressive tally of four golds and seven medals. Competing in the men’s 400m final on Wednesday evening, he has the chance to equal Christophe Lamaitre as the most-decorated male athlete in the championships' history.
The anticipation for Hodgkinson's 800m race is palpable, particularly as she faces strong contenders like Audrey Werro and Femke Broeders-Bol. Hodgkinson, who did not compete in the Commonwealth Games, comes into this event following a victory at the London Diamond League meeting in July. The women's 800m heats took place on Tuesday morning, with the semi-finals scheduled for Thursday and the final on Friday, August 14.
As the championships progress, fans can expect thrilling performances and potential record-breaking achievements. With the BBC's comprehensive coverage, viewers can stay updated on all the action and highlights from Birmingham.
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