One of the long-running rivalries in European athletics resumes in Birmingham as Julian Weber and Jakub Vadlejch prepare to go head-to-head once again for continental supremacy.
The pair have shared the last two European men's javelin titles between them, with Weber striking gold on home soil in Munich in 2022 before Vadlejch turned the tables in Roma 2024.
Now, with Weber returning to form after injury and leading the European rankings, the stage is set for another enthralling duel.
European record - Jan Železný (CZE), 98.48m
European lead - Julian Weber (GER), 87.04m
Championship record - Steve Backley (GBR), 89.72m
Roma 2024 medallists
- Jakub Vadlejch (CZE), 88.65m
- Julian Weber (GER), 85.94m
- Oliver Helander (FIN), 85.75m
Five names to watch
- Julian Weber (GER)
- Jakub Vadlejch (CZE)
- Artur Felfner (UKR)
- Oliver Helander (FIN)
- Edis Matusevičius (LTU)
Germany's Weber has only competed twice this year but comes into Birmingham as Europe's number one thrower with a season-leading 87.04m in Lucerne. The Munich 2022 champion has established himself as one of the world's most consistent throwers in recent years and will be determined to regain the title he narrowly surrendered in Rome.
That defeat still lingers. Weber led the competition after five rounds in the Italian capital before Vadlejch responded with a championship-winning 88.65m in the final round, underlining once again why the Czech has earned a reputation as one of the sport's consistent championship competitors.
Now 35, Vadlejch continues to thrive on the biggest occasions. Olympic silver medallist in Tokyo, three-times world medallist and reigning European champion, the Czech rarely fails to deliver when medals are at stake. His experience and competitive nerve ensure he will once again be among the favourites in Birmingham.
While the rivalry between Weber and Vadlejch dominates the headlines, a talented supporting cast will be looking to spoil the script.
Ukraine's Artur Felfner has long been tipped as one of Europe's brightest javelin prospects.
The former world U20 champion and two-time European U23 champion has continued his steady progression this season and possesses the raw talent to challenge for his first senior outdoor international medal. Still only 22, he appears ready to make the breakthrough.
Oliver Helander claimed bronze in Rome with a superb 85.75m and remains one of the most dangerous competitors in the field. The Finn has a personal best of 89.83m and has consistently shown an ability to raise his level at major championships, making him a genuine contender for another place on the podium.
Lithuania's Edis Matusevičius also returns with unfinished business. Fourth in Rome, the Lithuanian record-holder has developed into one of Europe's most reliable performers and will believe Birmingham offers another opportunity to claim a first major international medal.
No European has thrown beyond 90 metres this year, but Birmingham 2026 could prove the perfect setting for a breakthrough. With a world-class field assembled and the leading contenders still searching for their very best form, the biggest throw of the season may still be to come.