Greece’s Miltiadis Tentoglou has developed a reputation for delivering when it matters most. After defending his Olympic long jump title in Paris, the 26-year-old now turns his attention to securing his fourth European indoor title.
His ability to hit peak form under pressure has made him virtually untouchable in championship settings, and with a season's best already over 8.00m, he remains the man to beat in Apeldoorn although European silver medallist Mattia Furlani, who also finished one centimetre behind Tentoglou at the World Athletics Indoor Chamionships, will be looking to end his dominance.
Ingebrigtsen targets another double
Norwegian middle distance star Jakob Ingebrigtsen arrives in the Netherlands fresh off an Olympic title in the 5000m and a stunning world record-breaking performance at the Meeting de Liévin, where he shattered indoor marks in both the 1500m and the mile.
The 24-year-old is now chasing an unprecedented third consecutive European indoor double in the 1500m and 3000m, which would take his total tally of gold medals at these championships to seven, equalling the all-time record on the men's side.
Ogunleye Poised for Shot Put Glory
Germany’s Yemisi Ogunleye made history last summer when she claimed Olympic gold in shot put, becoming the country’s first winner in the event since 1996.
With a 20.27m national record at the German Indoor Championships already under her belt this season, the 26-year-old is in top form as she prepares to face off against some of Europe’s best. The biggest challenge may come from home favourite Jessica Schilder, but Ogunleye has already proven she thrives on the biggest stages.
Mahuchikh eyes European indoor hat-trick
Ukraine’s Yaroslava Mahuchikh completed her journey to greatness last year, finally adding Olympic gold to her World Championship and World Indoor Championship titles with a clutch performance in Paris.
She remains the dominant force in the high jump and recently cleared 2.01m indoors, marking her as the clear favourite to defend her European indoor crown. A win in Apeldoorn would mark her third consecutive European indoor title, further solidifying her legacy.
Four Olympic Champions, One Goal
With all four stars at the top of their game, the European Indoor Championships in Apeldoorn promise to be a spectacle of elite performances.
Whether it’s Tentoglou’s final-round heroics, Ingebrigtsen’s relentless dominance, Ogunleye’s power in the shot put ring, or Mahuchikh’s soaring heights, fans can expect more history to be written in the Netherlands.