European Athletics Championships 2026 Set to Feature Top Athletes in Birmingham

The European Athletics Championships will take place in Birmingham, marking the first time the event is hosted in Britain in its 92-year history. The competition is expected to attract top athletes from across Europe, who will compete for continental titles in various events.

British middle-distance runner Keely Hodgkinson, a gold medalist from the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, aims for a historic third European 800m gold medal. She will face strong competition from Switzerland’s Audrey Werro and the Netherlands’ Femke Bol during the competition.

Hodgkinson expressed that winning a gold medal at the European Championships would be nearly as significant as her Olympic victory, particularly because of the home-ground advantage. Her expectations are high as she prepares for the women's 800m final, which is scheduled for Friday evening.

Aside from the women’s 800m, the championships will include various events, with the women's 100m and men's 5,000m featuring prominently in the opening sessions. British sprinter Amy Hunt has already secured gold in the women’s 100m, adding to the excitement of the championships.

Hodgkinson has recently recovered from an injury that caused her some setbacks; however, she feels confident going into the championship. She cited her experience in previous competitions as vital for this upcoming race, highlighting the growing rivalry in middle-distance events.

This year's championships promise to deliver compelling contests among Europe’s elite athletes, with Hodgkinson’s race being dubbed the 'race of the championships' by several commentators. The event holds significant attention from fans and the media alike. Kicking off this week, it is anticipated to be a highlight of the athletics calendar.