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Sports sponsorship is part of the international SPAR voluntary food retail chain’s commitment to encouraging an active, healthy lifestyle. Global awareness of the SPAR Brand is achieved through digital and print coverage of sport sponsorship.

SPAR International

Joma Sport is the most important Spanish sports brand, with the highest sales volume worldwide, and is among the top ten global brands.

Joma

Le Gruyère AOP is a very high quality natural cheese that has been produced for many centuries in an artisanal method without any additives.

Le Gruyère AOP

The philosophy of Toyo Tires is to combine driving pleasure with top performance. This is reflected in each of the products, as well as in its close partnership with European Athletics.

Toyo Tires

Through its operational department Eurovision Services, the EBU is continuously working to promote athletics by offering the most comprehensive coverage of European Athletics events all over Europe.

Conica has been developing and manufacturing innovative seamless flooring solutions for sports, games and leisure for over 40 years and is one of the world's market leaders and innovation drivers in this field.

Conica

Stars of athletics beat world records using Polanik products. Polanik is held in high regard by many for top quality and advisory services for designers and investors of athletics stadiums.

Polanik

The Hotel Royal Savoy is proud to be the Preferred Hotel Partner of European Athletics in Lausanne since 2016, offering valuable support and accommodation services to European Athletics business activities throughout the year.

Hotel Royal Savoy Lausanne

The first companies of Würth MODYF Group were founded in Künzelsau, Germany and Neumarkt, Italy in 1997 as an independent subsidiary of the Würth Group and can thus look back on more than 25 years of experience in the field of workwear and safety footwear.

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The high jump challenges athletes to clear a steadily rising bar using a curved approach and a powerful take-off. Competitors must time their run-up perfectly, converting horizontal speed into vertical lift. The Fosbury Flop technique, now universal, requires exceptional body control as athletes arch over the bar. The event builds drama as the bar climbs higher and attempts become limited, often culminating in head-to-head duels.

High jump

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The longest standard track race, the 10,000 metres tests stamina, concentration and consistent pacing across twenty five laps. Athletes must manage physical strain as the race progresses, responding to surges and maintaining rhythm even as fatigue builds. Historically, European Championships have seen both cagey tactical contests and fast, relentless front-running performances. The event rewards those with strong endurance and the mental strength to stay composed for a long duration.

10,000 metres

The 100 metres is the shortest outdoor sprint and sets the benchmark for pure speed in athletics. Athletes accelerate from blocks and reach top velocity within seconds, maintaining form through a high-intensity dash down the straight. Reaction time is often decisive at this distance, with races won and lost by hundredths of a second. The event has a long tradition of showcasing the fastest men and women in Europe, and it remains one of the most watched races at any championship.

100 metres

The 5000 metres is a long-distance track race demanding aerobic endurance, tactical awareness and mental focus. Athletes complete twelve and a half laps, managing pace while responding to changes initiated by rivals. Success often depends on staying relaxed early before increasing pace in the closing stages. The event has evolved over time from slow, tactical races to consistently fast, aggressive championship battles.

5000 metres

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Relay events combine individual speed with coordinated teamwork. The 4x100 metres relies on fast, precise baton exchanges at high speed, with timing and communication proving as important as outright pace. The 4x400 metres tests speed-endurance, strategy and mental resilience as teams select athletes for specific legs. The mixed 4x400 metres adds the challenge of gender order selection, making race tactics central to success. Relays consistently produce some of the most exciting and unpredictable moments in championship athletics.

Relays: 4x100 metres, 4x400 metres, Mixed 4x400 metres

The 200 metres blends the power of the short sprint with the challenge of running a controlled curve. Athletes build speed through the bend before driving into the home straight, aiming to maintain momentum without tightening or losing stride rhythm. Success depends on combining fast acceleration with the ability to hold technique under pressure. The event has produced many memorable European championship performances, often highlighting specialist sprinters who excel in technical curve running.

200 metres

These sprint hurdles events require athletes to combine explosive speed with flawless rhythm over a set number of barriers. Runners must achieve a consistent stride pattern to clear each hurdle cleanly without breaking speed. A clipped hurdle can ruin momentum, while perfect technique creates a smooth, fast race. The short distance leaves no margin for error, making start reaction and precision critical.

100 metres hurdles (women) / 110 metres hurdles (men)

The 400 metres hurdles is one of the most technically demanding events on the track. Athletes complete a full lap while clearing evenly spaced hurdles, forcing them to maintain rhythm even as fatigue peaks. Mastery of stride pattern, pace control and hurdle execution is essential. The race is known for dramatic changes of position in the final straight as athletes fight both their rivals and the physical demands of the event.

400 metres hurdles

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The long jump blends speed, power and precise timing. Athletes sprint along a runway and take off from a board, aiming to maintain momentum into a controlled flight and efficient landing. Key elements include accuracy on the approach and the ability to transfer horizontal velocity into lift. The discipline has deep roots in athletics history and remains a showcase of raw jumping ability.

Long jump

The steeplechase combines distance running with technical obstacle work. Athletes clear barriers and a water jump each lap, requiring controlled footwork, balance and the ability to accelerate after each obstacle. Competitors must maintain rhythm while adjusting stride patterns to navigate hurdles efficiently. The event has become a staple of European competition, producing races that test both endurance and precise technique under pressure.

3000 metres steeplechase

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Apeldoorn is one of the greenest cities in the Netherlands and among the largest municipalities in Gelderland. It is a mid-size city with a population of approximately 161,000. Apeldoorn has a charming and lively inner city and a young, sports-minded population.

The town is easily accessible by car (A1 motorway) and train. The proximity of large cities such as Utrecht (59 kilometre) and Amsterdam (75 kilometre) and its space and tranquillity make Apeldoorn one of the most popular cities in the Netherlands. The area mainly consists of woods and heath-lands and is a popular destination for tourism, in particular hiking and cycling.

The Dutch royal family has always had close ties with the city. Apeldoorn is home to the stately Loo Palace, the former summer residence of the Dutch royal family and nowadays a national museum. Apeldoorn is possibly the most athletic-minded city in the Netherlands.

Apeldoorn

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The heptathlon brings together seven events across two days: hurdles, high jump, shot put, 200 metres, long jump, javelin and 800 metres. Athletes must demonstrate versatility, technical skill and endurance across a wide range of disciplines. Scoring rewards consistency and all-round ability rather than excellence in only one area. The event is seen as a major test of complete athletic talent and resilience.

Heptathlon (women)

The decathlon features ten events spread across two days and is regarded as one of the most complete tests in sport. Athletes compete in sprints, hurdles, jumps, throws and middle-distance running. Success depends on technical skill, physical strength, endurance and mental focus across a demanding schedule. The best decathletes are celebrated for their versatility and their ability to perform across a broad spectrum of athletic challenges.

Decathlon (men)

The marathon covers a distance of 42.195 kilometres and stands as one of the most demanding endurance events in athletics. Athletes must balance pacing, energy management and hydration while navigating a long road course that often includes changes in terrain and elevation. The race typically develops through distinct phases, with early caution giving way to decisive moves in the later stages when fatigue begins to bite. Success requires exceptional aerobic capacity, mental resilience and the ability to maintain form over a prolonged distance. The marathon has a long and respected history within European competition and continues to showcase some of the toughest endurance performances in the sport.

Marathon

In hammer throw, athletes spin several times while controlling a heavy metal ball attached to a wire and handle. The challenge is to build rotational speed while maintaining balance and directing the hammer accurately into the sector. Technical precision and body control are essential, particularly during the final release. The event is one of the most demanding in the throws discipline.

Hammer throw

Javelin throwers combine a fast run-up with a technically efficient release of a spear-shaped implement. The discipline requires speed, mobility, shoulder strength and careful control of the javelin’s angle and trajectory. Athletes must generate force during the run-up while protecting their technique during the final delivery. The event has a long European tradition and regularly produces dramatic long throws in championship settings.

Javelin throw

The discus throw requires athletes to rotate within a circle to build momentum before releasing a heavy disc into the throwing sector. Balance, footwork and technique dictate success, with release angle and timing crucial for long distances. The event dates back to ancient athletics and has remained a showcase of technical throwing skill throughout European competition.

Discus throw

Pole vaulting requires speed, strength, coordination and courage. Athletes sprint down the runway, plant the pole and use it to propel themselves over a set height. Each attempt challenges timing, body control and technique, particularly during inversion and bar clearance. The event is known for its progression of rising heights and the technical battles between athletes to master complex vaulting mechanics.

Pole vault

The triple jump consists of a hop, step and jump in one continuous sequence. Athletes must generate and maintain forward momentum through each phase, requiring rhythm, leg strength and technical consistency. Distances depend on a smooth transition between phases and a balanced landing. The event demands a combination of speed and coordination unique within the jumps programme.

Triple jump

Race walking involves covering long distances under strict technique rules. Athletes must maintain continuous ground contact and keep the front leg straight as it lands, making endurance and technical discipline equally important. Races are often tactical, with pacing and efficiency playing a major role. Europe has a long history of success in this event, which remains a key part of the championships programme.

Race walking

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The 400 metres is a one-lap sprint requiring both speed and controlled pacing. Athletes must judge their effort carefully, building a strong opening but leaving enough in reserve to withstand the final straight when fatigue peaks. The event rewards those with both raw sprinting talent and excellent speed-endurance. Historically, it has produced dramatic finishes as runners push to their limits in the closing metres.

400 metres

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The 1500 metres is the classic middle-distance race. It requires athletes to balance steady pacing with the agility to respond to tactical changes and late surges. Many races unfold with a controlled early pace before a fast acceleration in the final lap, where positioning becomes critical. The event has a rich European history, often producing championship finals filled with strategy, resilience and highly competitive sprint finishes.

1500 metres

Run over two laps of the track, the 800 metres sits between sprinting and longer middle-distance racing. It is a tactical test as much as a physical one, with athletes often racing in packs, protecting position and timing their final kick. The event demands efficient running mechanics, race intelligence and a strong anaerobic capacity. European athletes have excelled in this discipline for decades, making it a consistently competitive and unpredictable race.

800 metres

Shot putters throw a solid metal ball from within a throwing circle, using either a glide or rotational technique. The event rewards explosive strength, balance and precise timing at release. Competitors must generate maximum power while staying within the circle, making technique as important as physical strength. Shot put has long been a central event in European championships, showcasing powerful and technically skilled athletes.

Shot put

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The northern Greek city of Serres has been awarded the 2027 edition of the European Race Walking Team Championships at the European Athletics Executive Board meeting in Birmingham on Thursday (23).
This will be the first time in event history that the European Race Walking Team Championships, an event which dates back to 1996, will be held on Greek soil.
Recent highlights at the European Race Walking Team Championships have included Italy's Massimo Stano winning the 35km race walk in 2025 in a world record of 2:20:43 and Greece's Antigoni Ntrismpioti taking back-to-back titles in the 35km and 20km race walk in 2021 and 2023 respectively.
"We are delighted to award the 2027 European Race Walking Team Championships to Serres. This marks a significant milestone as it will be the first time that Greece hosts this prestigious event.&nbsp;
"Greece has a rich and long-standing tradition in race walking events and we are confident Serres will deliver a truly outstanding championship that will showcase the very best of European race walking," said European Athletics President Dobromir Karamarinov.&nbsp;
The last three editions of the European Race Walking Team Championships have been held in Podebrady, Czechia.

A first for Greece! Serres awarded 2027 European Race Walking Team Championships

The outdoor track season is veering into view again and the first big fixture on the European Athletics calendar is the 2026 European 10,000m Cup which takes place in the Italian town of La Spezia on 23 May.
This will be the fourth time that Italy has held the European 10,000m Cup, an event which was added to the European Athletics calendar back in 1997 until its initial alias of the European 10,000 Metres Challenge. The last time the event came to Italian soil was in 2015 when the hosts won team gold in the men&rsquo;s race in Cagliari.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/european-athletics/image/upload/v1776935753/DP1_3775_1.jpg">
The Italian ranks on the men&rsquo;s side could be fortified considerably by the selection of Yemaneberhan Crippa and Iliass Aouani, both of whom have expressed their intentions to compete.
Both Crippa and Aouani have excelled at the marathon this spring. Crippa won the Paris Marathon in early April in 2:05:18 - the first win of his marathon career thus far - while Aouani smashed the Italian marathon record with a 2:04:26 clocking in the Tokyo Marathon, the same city in which he won bronze at the 2025 World Athletics Championships.
Crippa has a particularly distinguished record at the European 10,000m Cup. He won the individual title in both 2019 and 2023, also leading Italy to team gold in 2019. Can he kick to his third European 10,000m Cup victory next month?
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/european-athletics/image/upload/v1776952456/GettyImages-1160460387.jpg">
The European 10,000m Cup is also a key fixture with qualifying times and ranking points on offer on the road to the Birmingham 2026 European Athletics Championships from 10-16 August. The qualifying times for Birmingham 2026 are 27:50 and 32:00 for men and women respectively.
<h3 dir="ltr">What happened last year?</h3>
At the last edition of the European 10,000m Cup in Pac&eacute; last May, Jana Van Lent made event history by becoming the first Belgian winner of an individual title.&nbsp;
Van Lent took the plaudits in 31:32.28 and with Chloe Herbiet and Hanne Verbruggen finishing third (31:54.06) and tenth (32:35.78) respectively, Van Lent also led Belgium to the team title, a feat which they would repeat at the end of the year at the SPAR European Cross Country Championships in Lagoa.
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Efrem Gidey also achieved a notable first for Ireland as he took victory in the men&rsquo;s race in 27:40.47. Gidey made a decisive break on the penultimate lap to turn the tables on France&rsquo;s Valentin Gondouin who outsprinted Gidey for bronze in the half marathon just six weeks prior at the 2025 European Running Championships in Brussels-Leuven.
And despite the absence of world champion-in-waiting Jimmy Gressier and European 10km record-holder Yann Schrub, Gondouin led France to team gold on home soil for the third time in four editions.&nbsp;
<h3 dir="ltr">A brief history of the European 10,000m Cup</h3>
1997 At the first ever European 10,000m Cup in Barakaldo, Julia Vaquero took a commanding victory on home soil in the women&rsquo;s 10,000m in 31:14.51 while Germany&rsquo;s 1992 Olympic 5000m champion Dieter Baumann won the men&rsquo;s title in 27:21.53.
1998 The enduring championship record of 27:14.44 was set at the 1998 European 10,000m Cup by Spain&rsquo;s Fabian Roncero who defeated Portugal&rsquo;s Antonio Pinto on home soil in Lisbon.
However, Portuguese heroine Fernanda Ribeiro was a popular winner of the women&rsquo;s race. The 1996 Olympic 10,000m champion won in 30:48.06, outsprinting Paula Radcliffe in what would be a familiar theme at major championships over the next three seasons.
1999 Radcliffe would take individual victory one year later in Barakaldo in a championship record of 30:40.70, winning by almost one minute from Germany&rsquo;s Irina Mikitenko in 31:38.68.
Alberto Garcia won the men&rsquo;s race in 27:46.12, leading a Spanish clean sweep of the podium and the team title with it.
2006 T&uuml;rkiye&rsquo;s Elvan Abeylegesse lapped the entire field on home soil at the 2006 European 10,000m Cup in Antalya. Her championship record of 30:21.67 remains untouched some two decades later.&nbsp;
2010 Mo Farah took his one and only victory at the European 10,000m Cup in Marseille in 2010. He won in 27:28.86 by more than 40 seconds. Portugal&rsquo;s Ines Monteiro won the women&rsquo;s race in 31:13.58.
2019 Twinned with the Night of the 10,000m PBs in Highgate in north London, Italy&rsquo;s Yemaneberhan Crippa kicked to his first of two titles in the men&rsquo;s race in 27:49.79 and led Italy to team gold.
But in one of the quirks of the event, Lonah Chemtai Salpeter retained her title in the women&rsquo;s race despite finishing second to Great Britain&rsquo;s Stephanie Twell - 31:08.13 to 31:15.78 - who wasn&rsquo;t running as part of the British team.
2022 In his only appearance at the European 10,000m Cup so far, Jimmy Gressier ran away with the title in 2022 on home soil in Pac&eacute;. Gressier won in 27:24.51 by almost half-a-minute from Spain&rsquo;s Carlos Mayo in 27:53.12 and also led France to the team title.
T&uuml;rkiye&rsquo;s Yasemin Can also dominated the women&rsquo;s race in 31:20.18. She won the individual title ahead of Alina Reh and Katharina Steinruck who led Germany to the team title.
Photo credit: Commune della Spezia

Focus on La Spezia. One month to go to the 2026 European 10,000m Cup

Sustainability in athletics does not begin and end with championships &ndash; it stretches well beyond the finish line. 
While European Athletics has made major progress in embedding sustainability across its events, the next step is helping Member Federations build the same thinking into their everyday operations.
That is the focus of the new Sustainability Ambassadors Programme &ndash; an initiative designed to support federations as they begin or strengthen their own sustainability journey.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/european-athletics/image/upload/v1776876564/DSC_0357.jpg">
Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, the programme provides practical guidance, shared learning and direct support to help federations make meaningful progress in ways that fit their own context.&nbsp;
<h3>Building knowledge and practical support</h3>
In March 2026, seven ambassadors from seven different federations across Europe came together in Luxembourg for two days of training, held from 27-29 March in close collaboration with the Luxembourg Athletics Federation.
Each ambassador is responsible for supporting a group of federations, helping them understand sustainability basics, develop strategy and identify realistic actions for improvement.&nbsp;
The training included guest speakers such as Niels van der Aar, Global Head of Sustainability at ARLANXEO and a European Athletics Event Commission member, alongside Shaaf Milani-Nia, architect-director of the City of Luxembourg.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/european-athletics/image/upload/v1776876597/DSC_0523.jpg">
Their input helped connect sustainability in sport with wider conversations around urban development, leadership and long-term planning.&nbsp;
<h3>Four pillars for long-term progress</h3>
The programme supports federations through an initial assessment across four sustainability pillars: economic, environmental, social and human.
From there, European Athletics works with each federation to identify where progress can be made and what practical steps can help them move forward. Support includes one-to-one calls, group discussions and ongoing guidance from the ambassador network.&nbsp;
Thirteen federations will begin this journey in 2026: Malta, Germany, Austria, Slovenia, Albania, Serbia, Estonia, Denmark, Latvia, France, Monaco, North Macedonia and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The aim is not perfection from the start, but steady, achievable progress built on collaboration and shared experience.&nbsp;
<h3>Creating a stronger culture of sustainability</h3>
For European Athletics, this marks an important shift. Sustainability support is no longer focused only on events and Local Organising Committees, but also on helping federations embed stronger systems and thinking at every level of the sport.
As Karin Grute-Movin, Vice President and Development Commission Chair, explains: &ldquo;Our Sustainability Ambassadors Programme is important because it&rsquo;s a way of supporting our federations to become more sustainable.
"We know that it can be very difficult to do this alone, but in this way they can get the support they need as well as share ideas and best practice about how best to go about it.&rdquo;&nbsp;
By creating a network of ambassadors across Europe, the programme aims to make sustainability feel less like an additional responsibility and more like a shared part of the future of athletics &ndash; practical, collaborative and built to last.

Earth Day | Sustainability Ambassadors, Ready, Set, Go!

Sustainability in athletics is often discussed in big-picture terms, but at European Athletics events, progress is increasingly being driven by practical decisions on the ground. 
From transport and catering to social legacy and community partnerships, sustainability is becoming part of how championships are planned and delivered &ndash; as a responsibility shared across every functional area.
This shift is guided by European Athletics&rsquo; Sustainability Roadmap, which helps Member Federations and Local Organising Committees (LOCs) align sustainability ambitions with the specific needs of their host city and region.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/european-athletics/image/upload/v1776875888/Antalya_1.jpg">
Rather than asking every event to follow the same blueprint, the focus is on relevance, practicality and accountability. As one of the core principles puts it: bidding is binding. Sustainability commitments made during the host city bidding process are expected to translate into real action once the event begins.&nbsp;
Importantly, the goal is not to overwhelm organisers with rigid demands, but to support them in embedding achievable, meaningful initiatives. European Athletics works closely with LOCs to review their original sustainability ambitions and identify what makes the most sense within their local context.
That could mean working with existing city infrastructure, building partnerships with local transport providers or focusing on the environmental and social priorities already established by the host municipality. The simple message is that there is no need to reinvent the wheel.&nbsp;
<h3>Maribor - a model for small events</h3>
The 2025 European Athletics Team Championships 2nd and 3rd Division in Maribor, Slovenia offered one of the strongest examples of this approach in action. Despite being a relatively small event, the organisers delivered a comprehensive sustainability plan that touched environmental, social and economic impact.
All teams shared a single catering space next to the stadium, reducing unnecessary transport and creating a more efficient food system. Local products were prioritised, leftovers were repurposed into soups and ravioli, and food waste was kept to a minimum.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/european-athletics/image/upload/v1776875919/Maribor_9.jpg">
Plastic use was almost entirely eliminated, while stronger recycling systems supported the very few unavoidable single-use items.&nbsp;
Transport was another major focus. Athletes and teams were encouraged to use public transport, with some federations choosing to travel by bus, while others used Maribor&rsquo;s cable car system for local mobility.
The LOC also partnered with Slovenia&rsquo;s national rail network to offer discounted train travel between Ljubljana and Maribor, making lower-impact travel a more attractive option for participants and visitors alike.&nbsp;
Social sustainability was embedded too, with a strong emphasis on diversity and inclusion through the volunteer programme, while local athletes helped promote sustainability actions and community engagement.
Maribor also appointed a dedicated sustainability specialist, allowing the event to produce detailed reporting and measurable outcomes &ndash; from waste reduction figures to transport savings &ndash; helping make sustainability visible and tangible rather than abstract.&nbsp;
<h3>Different cities, different solutions</h3>
Other events have approached sustainability through equally local and distinctive lenses. Antalya&rsquo;s SPAR European Cross Country Championships focused on urban redevelopment and beach cleaning, creating a lasting environmental legacy for the host city.
Lagoa expanded on that model through afforestation initiatives, including the planting of more than 500 drought-resistant trees and symbolic tree planting linked to the event itself. Apeldoorn&rsquo;s social legacy campaign, Moving People, focused on community impact beyond competition, while Bergen&rsquo;s sustainability planning was built around the wider needs of the city and surrounding communities.
<h3>Leaving a legacy beyond competition</h3>
Across all of these events, the same principle applies: sustainability is most effective when it is integrated, practical and locally meaningful. It is not about forcing every host city into the same model, but about helping organisers move slightly further than they might have otherwise &ndash; and proving that even small changes, when designed well, can create long-term impact.
As European Athletics continues to develop its Sustainability Programme, the ambition is that championships should leave more than medals and records behind.
They should help create more resilient communities &ndash; places better equipped to respond to environmental, social and economic challenges, from extreme weather events to changing urban demands.
In that sense, sustainability is not simply about reducing impact in the moment, but about strengthening systems, supporting long-term wellbeing and leaving a legacy that lasts well beyond the finish line.

Earth Day | How European Athletics is embedding change across events

"I want to know that when I finish my career, I&rsquo;ve not only succeeded in athletics but also done as much as I can in the environmental space,&rdquo; so says one of the sport's rising stars, showing an awareness of the greater impact an athlete can make beyond their own career.
In athletics, performance comes first. But there is a growing awareness that success is not only defined by results, but also by how those results are achieved and the platform they create.
Athletes like multiple European U20 champion Innes FitzGerald are using that visibility to engage more thoughtfully with sustainability, while European Athletics is looking at how sustainable thinking can be reflected more clearly in the way the sport itself is delivered.
<h3>A growing awareness across the sport</h3>
Sustainability has long been part of the wider conversation around athletics, even if not always front of mind.
It has always been there in the background &ndash; in the logistics of international competition, in the realities of travel, in how events are delivered &ndash; but not always something that athletes or fans would directly connect to performance or progression.
However, that mindset is gradually changing.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/european-athletics/image/upload/v1776874959/IMG_4731.jpg">
There is a broader awareness now of the impact that sits around the sport, and a sense that, over time, small adjustments in how things are done can make a real difference. Some of that comes from athletes, some from organisers and Member Federations, and increasingly from both at the same time.
As ideas of success in athletics expand beyond results alone to include how those results are achieved, few athletes embody that shift more clearly than Innes FitzGerald.
<h3>A platform built through performance</h3>
Her perspective is not built on stepping away from elite sport, but on engaging with it while recognising the influence that comes with it. Like any athlete, her focus remains on improving, competing and progressing. What sits alongside that is an understanding of how visibility can be used more intentionally.
&ldquo;I think if I can build a platform through athletics, then I can reach more people,&rdquo; she says. &ldquo;People follow sport, they follow journeys&hellip; and that gives you a way to bring other conversations into it.&rdquo;
It&rsquo;s a simple idea, but one that reflects a wider trend. More and more, athletes&rsquo; careers are creating opportunities beyond results alone &ndash; whether that&rsquo;s sharing insights, raising awareness or influencing how certain topics are understood.
For FitzGerald, that influence doesn&rsquo;t need to be forceful or directive.
&ldquo;I never wanted other athletes to feel bad,&rdquo; she says. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s just about making people think.&rdquo;
<h3>Awareness, not pressure</h3>
Within a high-performance environment, the expectation is that athletes are there to perform. Anything beyond that has to sit alongside it, not compete with it, and it&rsquo;s an important distinction.
&ldquo;I think I&rsquo;ve always been very aware of the impacts of what we do,&rdquo; FitzGerald says. &ldquo;Even just small things&hellip; and then as I&rsquo;ve grown up and seen the sporting environment &ndash; the travel, everything around it &ndash; I haven&rsquo;t really been able to disconnect the two.&rdquo;
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/european-athletics/image/upload/v1776874999/IMG_4725.jpg">
For many athletes, that awareness shows up in small, practical ways. Reusing kit, passing on items that are no longer needed, being more conscious about what is promoted or normalised.&nbsp;
These are not major interventions, but they reflect a slightly more considered approach to day-to-day decisions. At the same time, there is a recognition that the bigger levers sit elsewhere.
&ldquo;It gets a bit trivial if it&rsquo;s just about what individuals are doing,&rdquo; she says. &ldquo;You have to think about the bigger picture.&rdquo;
<h3>Supporting better decisions at a system level</h3>
That bigger picture is where organisations come in.
The structures that underpin athletics &ndash; competition calendars, travel arrangements, event delivery &ndash; shape the environment in which athletes operate. While individuals can make certain choices, many of the more significant decisions sit at an organisational level.
&ldquo;Athletes are doing everything they can to be the best they possibly can be,&rdquo; FitzGerald says. &ldquo;Any extra mental energy trying to figure things out themselves takes away from that.&rdquo;
In this context, the focus becomes less about individual responsibility in isolation, and more about how systems can support better decisions over time.
Through its <a href="https://www.european-athletics.com/home/development/programmes/sustainability-programme" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sustainability Programme</a> and <a href="https://www.european-athletics.com/home/development/programmes/sustainability-programme/sustainability-roadmap" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Roadmap</a>, European Athletics is working to understand where those opportunities sit in practice. That includes how events are delivered, how host cities are engaged and how knowledge can be shared across Member Federations.
Initiatives such as <a href="https://www.european-athletics.com/home/development/programmes/sustainability-programme/green-sports-hub-europe" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Green Sports Hub Europe</a> are aimed at supporting this with practical tools and guidance, while the <a href="https://www.european-athletics.com/home/news/european-athletics-launches-the-sustainability-ambassador-programme" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sustainability Ambassador Programme</a> reflects an effort to bring athlete perspectives into the conversation in a more structured way.
The emphasis is on steady progress &ndash; identifying what can be improved, and building from there. Europe&rsquo;s practical opportunities
Within that wider picture, Europe offers certain advantages.
&ldquo;The beauty of the European space is how close everything is,&rdquo; FitzGerald says. &ldquo;Travel between countries is generally pretty good.&rdquo;
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/european-athletics/image/upload/v1776875054/IMG_4738.jpg">
The proximity of countries, combined with established transport networks and a dense competition calendar, creates opportunities to look at how events are sequenced and how travel is planned. These are not always straightforward decisions, but they are areas where incremental improvements may be possible. FitzGerald points to the idea of more connected competition blocks as one example.
&ldquo;Having a series of races that you can kind of go from one to the other would be quite good,&rdquo; she says. &ldquo;Rather than going to one, going back home, then going out again.&rdquo;
It&rsquo;s the kind of thinking that also aligns with athlete experience and competition flow, not just sustainability.
<h3>Looking beyond the event itself</h3>
Another area where the conversation is developing is around what remains after events have finished. FitzGerald highlights an example from a recent SPAR European Cross Country Championships course in Portugal, where the venue was designed with longer-term use in mind.
&ldquo;Being able to bring something to improve the area for both the people and the environment &ndash; that&rsquo;s quite nice,&rdquo; she says.
This reflects a growing interest in how events can contribute positively to their host environments, whether through infrastructure, green space or community use. Across European Athletics events, there are increasing efforts to consider these aspects alongside the immediate delivery of competition.
<h3>Broadening the idea of success</h3>
For athletes, these developments add another layer to how their careers are experienced, even if performance remains the primary focus.
&ldquo;I want to know that when I finish my career, I&rsquo;ve not only succeeded in athletics but also done as much as I can in the environmental space,&rdquo; FitzGerald says.
For her, that perspective sits alongside, rather than replaces, competitive ambition. It reflects a growing awareness that the platform created through sport can extend beyond results, even if that influence is used in relatively small or understated ways.
<h3>Leading by example</h3>
FitzGerald&rsquo;s advice is simple and pragmatic. Not every athlete needs to speak out publicly, but there is value in being more conscious of the influence they already have. Often, it comes down to small, everyday choices, what you share, what you normalise, and what you choose not to promote.
As she puts it, &ldquo;there are little things athletes can do&hellip; just being more conscious about what you post and making sure you&rsquo;re not promoting things that are negative.&rdquo;
For those who do feel strongly about certain issues, her message is to speak about what genuinely matters to you and not be afraid of the response. In her experience, that response has largely been positive, and she encourages younger athletes in particular to trust that their voice, used authentically, can carry real weight.
<h3>An ongoing conversation</h3>
If there is a common thread running through all of this, it is that the conversation is still evolving. &ldquo;If you spoke five years ago, the conversations we&rsquo;re having now wouldn&rsquo;t have been happening,&rdquo; FitzGerald says.
Progress is not always linear, and different parts of the sport will move at different speeds. But there is a sense that sustainability is becoming more visible within athletics, not as a single issue to be solved, but as an area where awareness, practical action and longer-term thinking are gradually coming together.
For now, that may be enough. Not a complete shift, but a clearer understanding of where the opportunities lie, and how athletes and organisations, in different ways, can contribute to that over time.
<h3>European Athletics Leadership</h3>
&ldquo;Sustainability must be part of how we define excellence in the sport itself," comments Karin Grute-Movin, Vice President and Development Commission Chair, European Athletics.
&ldquo;Sustainability in athletics is no longer a parallel conversation, it must be part of how we define excellence in the sport itself. For European Athletics, that means embedding environmental and social responsibility into how we design championships, support our Member Federations, work with host cities and create long-term legacies for communities.
"What is encouraging is that this shift is being driven at both an organisational and individual level, hand-in-hand. Athletes like Innes FitzGerald are helping move the conversation forward by showing that performance and purpose can strengthen each other. Their voices challenge all of us &ndash; leaders, organisers and athletes alike &ndash; to think more intentionally about the choices we make.
"The real opportunity for our sport is to turn these conversations into practical action: smarter travel, more sustainable event delivery, stronger local legacy and better education across the athletics ecosystem. If we get that right, athletics can become a model for how sport contributes positively to society and the planet.&rdquo;
<h3>Sustainability in partnership</h3>
&ldquo;Sustainability in sport has to move beyond ambition and into practical decisions,&rdquo; says Julio Fernando Fadel, Head of Global Marketing &amp; Communication, CONICA.
&ldquo;Sustainability in sport has to move beyond ambition and into the practical decisions that shape how facilities are designed, built and used over time. For surfaces, that means thinking carefully about durability, recyclability, resource use and long-term environmental impact from the outset.
"At CONICA, this mindset increasingly guides how we innovate and collaborate across the industry. Partnerships such as our work with European Athletics are an important part of that progress, helping ensure the future of sport is not only high-performing, but more responsible and resilient too.&rdquo;

Earth Day | Innes FitzGerald on running towards a more sustainable future

The European Athletics Future Leaders Programme is celebrating 20 years since its launch at the 2006 European Athletics Championships in Gothenburg.&nbsp;
What began as a biennial forum has evolved into a long-term leadership pathway that continues to shape the future of the sport.
As we look towards the 2026 edition of the Future Leaders Forum which will take place in Birmingham from 12&ndash;17 August, this Future Leaders Focus series meets some of the past Future Leaders who have since established their career in athletics.&nbsp;
To mark Earth Day (22), we feature Katrin Heyers of Germany, who has played a key role in the growth of sustainability in the sport.
<h3 class="MsoNormal">Tell us about yourself, your current role and you the Future Leaders Forum you attended</h3>
I am a spokesperson for Sports Development &amp; representative in the association committee of the German Athletics Federation / European Athletics Development Commission Member, leading the working group for sustainability.
I attended 2014 as a participant, 2016 as a facilitator, 2022 as a consultant to present the Gender Leadership Programme and 2024 as a speaker with my own leadership training.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/european-athletics/image/upload/v1776270962/Speaker_at_EC22.jpg">
<h3 class="MsoNormal">What are you doing now? Tell us about your current role.</h3>
Within athletics, I have two main volunteer positions, I am a spokesperson for Sports Development &amp; representative in the association committee of the German Athletics Federation / European Athletics Development Commission Member, leading the working group for sustainability.&nbsp;
Professionally, I have started my own consulting firm after finishing my PhD in psychology, advising sports federations on any topic related to psychological competencies. This includes coaching education, referee training, sport psychological work with athletes and development of learning materials.&nbsp;
<h3 class="MsoNormal">⁠What do you enjoy the most about what you do?</h3>
In my volunteer roles, it&rsquo;s very easy to say, the people! The friends you make along the way, the experiences you create together is what drives me to spend hours in (sometimes quite boring) board meetings and online calls. And when all the work of the winter pays off and your project is launched in the summer, and you see it affecting people, that is absolutely rewarding!
Within my job, there is very little I do not enjoy. I&rsquo;ve turned my hobby into my career, and I love being able to bring psychological science and knowledge into the world of sports. The power it has is still underestimated, and I feel like I can make sport a bit better, day by day.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/european-athletics/image/upload/v1776270962/Head_of_Delegation_at_U18_Championships_in_Jerusalem_2022.jpg">
<h3 class="MsoNormal">How did you get into this field?</h3>
I started volunteering while I was still in school by applying to a youth project of the German Athletics Federation on anti-doping work. Then one thing led to another, and when I was able to join the FLF in 2014 in Zurich, my athletics life changed completely. That week was one of the best weeks of my life and it opened so many doors simply because of all the people I was able to meet.&nbsp;
Within my job, it was actually a former colleague from European Athletics that encouraged me to develop my own leadership content. We were sitting at the European Championships in Munich in 2022, watching the competition, and he basically challenged me to do it. From that point on, I started developing content, and connecting to people and federations to see if they needed my offers. Three years later, I founded DecathLead.
<h3 class="MsoNormal">What has been one defining moment in your career so far?</h3>
In 2019, I was able to join a week-long training provided by World Athletics to become a speaker for a Gender Leadership Course. EA had nominated me and Donna Fraser, OBE, a four-time Olympian and one of my athletics heroes when I grew up. I was 25 back then, had never been a professional athlete and all of sudden found myself surrounded by all these incredible individuals. My imposter-syndrome kicked hard.
I remember arriving the first evening in Monaco, being completely star-struck by everyone and everything. Throughout the week, I met some of the most incredible athletes this sport has ever seen, got to hang out with some of the brains behind amazing projects, and most of all learned what really matters in life - it&rsquo;s the friends you make.&nbsp;
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/european-athletics/image/upload/v1776270960/Speaker_at_High_Performance_Conference_2025.jpg">
<h3 class="MsoNormal">What skills or experiences helped you get to where you are today?</h3>
I could list obvious, boring things, but I am going with my weirdest observation - not needing too much sleep is certainly a skill that has played in my favour. The best, most interesting discussions happen after the official part of any event is done, and I love the stories that are being shared, the knowledge that some people only bring out when they have a freedom of an informal chat.&nbsp;
<h3 class="MsoNormal">Who or what inspires you in your career?</h3>
&ldquo;Treat others as if they know something you don&rsquo;t&ldquo; is a statement by the psychologist Carl Rogers that has defined my actions in a great deal. Everyone has an amazing story at hand, and I often challenge myself to figure it out when I meet new people.&nbsp;
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/european-athletics/image/upload/v1776270961/Speaker_at_FLF24.jpg">
<h3 class="MsoNormal">What advice would you give to someone just starting out in sport or leadership?</h3>
I&rsquo;ve been asked this question quite often in the past years, and I always emphasize that you need to do the work. Everyone has an idea and an opinion on how to do things or how to improve them, but if you are the one who actually tries out, does the work and responds to the email in time, you will stand out. It&rsquo;s not an easy one, but an effective one.
<h3 class="MsoNormal">What&rsquo;s something you wish you knew when you were starting your career?</h3>
1) Always be the nice one, but never the push-over. Set boundaries.
2) Quality costs money.&nbsp;
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/european-athletics/image/upload/v1776270963/German_Athletics_Youth_Project.jpg">
<h3 class="MsoNormal">Any exciting projects or goals you&rsquo;re working on right now?</h3>
Oh, yes, too many! With the sustainability working group, we are launching the European Athletics Sustainability Ambassador Project. On the national level, we are launching a Leadership Hub and I am leading the project group, while on a personal level, I have been writing a novel for more than a year that I cannot wait to publish.&nbsp;