The official press conference for the Tampere 2025 European Athletics U20 Championships on Wednesday (6) set the tone for what promises to be a landmark event.
Speaking first, European Athletics President Dobromir Karamarinov underscored both the city’s sporting heritage and the scale of the upcoming competition.
“European Athletics is really proud that we are in Finland. We are in Tampere, in a country that loves sport,” Karamarinov said, noting the city’s impressive record of hosting top-tier events.
“They have already organised European U20, European U23, and World U20 Championships here — but this year will be special. We already have a record number of athletes: 1300 competitors from 48 Member Federations. That’s nearly all our members gathered in one place,” he added.
Karamarinov emphasised that the championships are not just a contest, but a crucial stepping stone for the stars of tomorrow.
“Mondo Duplantis started from these championships, as did many of our European champions. This is the natural step to the senior level, where we will see future Olympic champions,” he said.
“I want to thank everyone involved — the Finnish Athletics Federation, the local organising committee, the City of Tampere, the volunteers, and of course the athletes. Good luck to all of you. You are our future.”
His remarks captured the blend of pride, ambition, and tradition that surrounds the championships, which will turn Tampere into the beating heart of European junior athletics over the coming days.
European Athletics council member Antti Pihlakoski, representing Finnish Athletics, praised the city’s transformation over the years and its commitment to major events. “Tampere has developed into the most attractive city in Finland,” said Pihlakoski, who is also a European Athletics Council Member, adding with a smile that even Helsinki now looks to Tampere as a model for hosting international competitions.
He noted the recent renovations to Ratina Stadium and the city’s long-term strategy of using its prime locations for sports, not just commercial development.
Tampere Deputy Mayor Anne-Mari Jussila extended a warm civic welcome and highlighted the city’s unique accessibility as well as sustainability initiatives.
“Everything is close here,” she said. “Athletes can walk, bike, or take the tram to their hotels and venues.” She spoke about Tampere’s environmental commitments — from encouraging tap water use to reducing transport emissions.
Karamarinov and Milz visit Helsinki en route to Tampere
Earlier in the day, the European Athletics President and CEO Christian Milz visited the renovated Helsinki Olympic Stadium and the Olympic Museum.
“Today’s meeting with the Minister for Sports, Physical Activity and Youth Mr. Poutala, Mayor Mr. Sazonov, Deputy Mayor for Sports Mr. Arhinmäki, President of the Finnish Athletics Federation Riikkaa Pakarinen was both inspiring and deeply encouraging, and I would like to thank the Finnish Athletics Federation for organising this gathering,” said Karamarinov.
“Our discussions on the development of Finnish athletics clearly reflect the shared commitment to supporting the growth of our sport, from grassroots to elite level. We are grateful to have Helsinki as a bidder for our flagship event the 2030 European Athletics Championships.
“I am truly impressed by how this historic venue has been modernised functionally and sustainably into a stadium that now serves not only elite sport, but also the wider community in so many meaningful ways,” said Karamarinov.