Great Britain and Northern Ireland have announced a team of 43 athletes for the Rieti 2026 European Athletics U18 Championships, which will take place 16–19 July.
The team features triple jumper Tito Odunaike who won gold at the 2026 British Indoor Championships aged 16 - the youngest ever winner of the men’s British title.
Odunaike will be heading into Rieti 2026 as European U20 leader, having recently set a new personal best of 16.12m at the Mannheim International Gala.
"Key development"
In the women’s shot put is Emilia Adele. Undefeated throughout the 2025 season, she set a new championship-best performance at the English Schools Championships.
Adele has continued her winning streak this season, throwing over 16m on four occasions and setting a new personal best of 16.87m.
After success at Loughborough International and becoming the youngest winner of the Bannister Mile, Freddie Rowe, will line up in the men’s 1500m race as one of the favourites.
100m sprinter Divine Iheme is also named, he is currently ranked no 2 in the European U18 lists with 10.37 and is expected to feature.
Team Leader, Alan Richardson said: “The European under 18 championships is a key developmental stage for young athletes as their first opportunity to compete at an international championship.
“The experience will be invaluable in terms of preparation, participation and everything that entails set in a competitive environment.
“I would like to congratulate all those selected in earning their opportunity to represent Great Britain and Northern Ireland at their first international championship.”