Queen of them all. Kelly Doualla claimed the European Under-18 100m title at Rieti 2026, confirming her status as the face of these championships—and going one step further. In addition to winning continental gold, the Italian sensation rewrote the European U18 record with a stunning 11.14 (+0.6). Moments after crossing the line, she let out a scream of joy before sprinting beneath the grandstand to celebrate with teammates and family.
“I practically ran another 200 metres, but I just had to celebrate with them. And I felt all the warmth of Rieti. It was amazing.”
Wrapped in the Italian flag, wearing her oversized Rieti 2026 European U18 medal and smiling from ear to ear, the young star admitted she had managed to shake off “that little bit of pre-race anxiety.”
Welcome to the heart of the show: the European Under-18 Championships have entered their spectacular weekend. Friday ended with an unforgettable celebration centred on the women's 100m final. Once again, the Velino Grandstand was packed throughout the day, filled with colourful supporters from across Europe and athletics fans who did not miss a single event.
Alongside Kelly Doualla's triumph and the men's blue-riband sprint event—won brilliantly by Britain's Divine Iheme in 10.29 (+0.1), a new championship record—five more European titles were awarded, including the heptathlon, women's hammer throw, and women's shot put.
Italy's young talents shine
Italy celebrated several athletes qualifying for upcoming finals. Among them were Laura Catalano of Lazio in the high jump, Bruelsino Randriamikasa from Abruzzo, and Piedmont's Nicolò Borello in the 400 metres. They are just a few of the names set to light up the remaining days of competition in Rieti.
The afternoon sessions will be broadcast live on RaiSport:
- Saturday: 5:00 pm – 8:40 pm (with live streaming on RaiPlay Sport 1 from 3:40 pm)
- Sunday: 3:55 pm – 7:40 pm
Morning sessions can be followed live via Eurovision Sport.
A family tradition of champions - The second medal awarded after Britain's Scanes won the 3000 metres went to the women's hammer throw. Ukraine's Milaniia Kokhan secured gold with a throw of 70.19m, setting both a new personal best and the European U18 season-leading mark.
Her victory carries extra significance: Milaniia is the younger sister of Mykhaylo Kokhan, who won the European U18 hammer title in Győr 2018, continuing a remarkable family tradition.
Morelli dreams of glory at home - While Ukraine celebrated a family success, the spotlight in Rieti now turns to Cristina Morelli, who will compete in Saturday's 1500m final at 6:35 pm.
The local athlete, representing Studentesca Andrea Milardi, grew up training every day at the Raul Guidobaldi Stadium. Now she has the opportunity to compete for a European medal on her home track, backed by friends, teammates, fellow citizens and thousands of supporters.
“It feels like everything is ready for me...” said the 2009-born middle-distance runner on the eve of her biggest race.
Firefighters help fans beat the heat - As expected, another day of scorching temperatures tested athletes and spectators alike. Fans seated in the Terminillo Grandstand were treated to a refreshing surprise as the Italian Fire Brigade cooled the crowd with gentle sprays of water from a fire hose, creating a welcome mist that was met with cheers and applause.
Tickets from €5 - Tickets for the Terminillo Grandstand remain available at just €5. They can be purchased through TicketOne or at the stadium ticket office. The PalaCordoni ticket office, located opposite the Guidobaldi Stadium and clearly signposted, is open daily until Sunday from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm.