The excitement of the opening day was unmistakable, with athletes and spectators alike aware they were taking part in a unique and historic event. Day 1 of the European Athletics U18 Championships in Rieti has come to a close after two action-packed sessions that attracted an outstanding crowd. During the afternoon session, the Velino Stand at the Raul Guidobaldi Stadium was completely full, confirming the sell-out status it has enjoyed for several days. Ticket sales continue through TicketOne and at the stadium ticket office located at the PalaCordoni, open daily from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm and from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
The celebration extends well beyond the track. The first of the 42 championship titles was claimed in the men's 3000m by Great Britain's Joseph Scanes, while across the city the Fan Village continues to entertain visitors every evening throughout the championships with local food, merchandising and live entertainment, including happy hour with DJ sets from 7:00 pm and live music from 9:00 pm.
Meanwhile, athletes have also been enjoying the Athletes Lounge, a dedicated area where they can recharge between competitions, meet fellow competitors, play games, take photos or enjoy a game of table tennis, building friendships despite speaking different languages and competing in different disciplines.
The 100m finals are coming - Besides awarding the first championship title, the opening day also determined several qualifiers for the semifinals and finals, including those in athletics' blue-riband event, the 100 metres. Tomorrow evening (Friday), the women's final takes centre stage at 8:20 pm, with Italy's Kelly Doualla among the favourites after cruising through her heat in 11.46 (+1.5) to secure a place in today's semifinals at 6:10 pm.
The second day of competition will feature six gold medals. Friday's finals schedule includes the women's hammer throw at 5:30 pm, women's shot put at 7:13 pm, men's hammer throw at 7:17 pm, the 800m concluding the heptathlon at 7:25 pm, followed by the women's 100m final at 8:20 pm and the men's final at 8:35 pm.
Huge support for Matteo - Rieti celebrated one of its own today as local athlete Matteo Varga, one of the five athletes from Studentesca Andrea Milardi selected for the Italian team, competed in the discus qualification. Although he did not reach the final, Varga enjoyed a memorable experience, cheered on by a large group of supporters waving banners in his honour. "Come to the stadium and support us in every possible way. Competing here, in my hometown, is a magical experience. It's my first international championship and I'll treasure it forever”. Attention now turns to his club teammate Cristina Morelli, as well as the more than 1,100 young athletes taking part in the continental championships. "Come and watch us. It's a fantastic championship”.
Best wishes to Evelyn - British middle-distance runner Evelyn Wildman is reported to be in good condition after suffering a medical incident during the women's 2000m steeplechase in the morning session. She received immediate assistance from the medical staff at the Raul Guidobaldi Stadium before being taken into the care of the European Athletics medical team, which later issued a reassuring statement: "She is in good spirits, smiling, and was able to speak immediately with the doctors at the Main Medical Centre. We wish her a speedy and full recovery”.