European Athletics President Dobromir Karamarinov has hailed the Birmingham 2026 European Athletics Championships as a championship that delivered memorable moments and outstanding performances.
Birmingham 2026 concluded on Sunday 16 August with a sell out crowd at the Alexander Stadium celebrating a thrilling conclusion of the continent’s biggest track and field event.
“Birmingham 2026 was a truly historic European Athletics Championships with two world records, four European records and 11 championship records,” said President Karamarinov.
“It was also the first time Great Britain has hosted the European Athletics Championships and with 50 disciplines it was the largest programme ever.
“We were rewarded with some incredible athletics with some of the sport’s biggest stars such as Jakob Ingebrigtsen, Karsten Warholm, Miltiadis Tentoglou, Gianmarco Tamberi, Mondo Duplantis, Nadia Battocletti and Yaroslava Mahuchikh reminding us of their greatness.
“We have also seen the emergence of new stars such as Amy Hunt and Audrey Werro and some of the most exciting competitions in modern times that have captured the imagination of fans across the world.
“It is truly one of the most exciting times ever for our sport in Europe. Congratulations also to the ten athletes who were awarded Gold Crowns and a 50,000EUR performance bonus for their outstanding results.
“European Athletics recognises and rewards such brilliance.
“Tens of millions of people across the world have watched the live streams and the television broadcasts, proving the huge appetite there is across multiple territories for athletics.
“Birmingham 2026 also celebrated two big anniversaries. It marked the 30th year of support of SPAR, who have been such an incredible long-term partner for European Athletics. They are more than partners - they are true friends of our sport.
“We thank SPAR and the rest of our partners which enables us to host our major events so successfully.
“It was also the 20th anniversary of the Future Leaders Programme at Birmingham 2026 where a group of talented and enthusiastic people gathered for a week of learning, discussion and inspiration.
“We know from the previous success of the programme that many of them will be joining our sport in a professional capacity in the near future. We look forward to being on the journey with them.
“Finally, our thanks go to the Birmingham 2026 Local Organising Committee who delivered seven memorable days of athletics, bringing together athletes, fans, volunteers, partners and the wider athletics family in a celebration of our sport.
“Your hard work, expertise and innovation has touched and inspired millions of people across Europe and our sport is bigger and better today because of you.
“We now look forward to the next edition in Silesia 2028, where Poland will host the European Athletics Championships for the first time ever. It will be another historic occasion where our sport holds a special place in the nation’s consciousness.
“Athletics in Europe is in a very healthy place, but just like the best athletes, we will strive to improve and grow continuously and Silesia 2028 has all the ingredients to be another leap forward for the European Athletics Championships.”