Kelly Doualla smashed her own European U18 best to storm to a sensational gold medal in the women’s 100m in front of a raucous home crowd at the Rieti 2026 European Athletics U18 Championships on Friday (17).
The hugely talented Italian exploded from the blocks and powered clear of the field to win in 11.14 (0.6m/s), taking 0.07 off the European U18 best she set in Skopje last year while winning gold at the European Youth Olympic Festival.
The victory adds the European U18 title to the European U20 crown the 16-year-old won in Tampere last year, underlining her status as one of the continent’s brightest sprint talents.
Behind her, the battle was for the remaining medals. Greece’s Apostolia Antonatou claimed silver in a national U18 record of 11.46, while Great Britain’s Celine Obinna-Alo took bronze in 11.50.
Doualla had already sent a warning in the semifinals, cruising to the fastest qualifying time of 11.43 (0.8m/s) with plenty left in reserve. In the final, she delivered in emphatic style.
"Very satisfied"
"This was the longest 100m I ever ran," said Doualla afterwards.
"I am very satisfied. I won for my family, for my friends for the whole of Italy. I did not feel any pressure - I smile a lot, I listen to my music. I am very proud of myself, of my team and my coach. They make me so strong.
"Athletics is a sport that you do alone but there is a team behind you. The aim was to win and get the gold medal. Now this dream has come true for me.
"I will celebrate tonight, we will go to McDonalds and party. I still have the relay to do."
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