With less than a month to go until the European Athletics U18 Championships, Rieti has unveiled the medals that will be awarded to the continent’s brightest young talents from 16–19 July.
The presentation took place at the Raul Guidobaldi Stadium during the Italian Club Championships on Saturday (20) offering a first glimpse of the event that will bring around 1,200 of Europe’s most promising athletes to the historic Italian athletics venue.
Howe leads medal launch
Rieti-born long jump legend Andrew Howe was the first to reveal the gold, silver and bronze medals that athletes will compete for this summer. “The medal captures the essence of Rieti,” said Howe.
“You can see the city walls, the Velino River, the Guidobaldi track and the natural landscape that surrounds it. This stadium is a little Colosseum of athletics. Rieti has changed over the years, but athletics remains at its heart. With Rieti 2026, athletics is coming home.”
Joining Howe at the ceremony were some of Italy’s leading athletics stars, including world indoor triple jump champion Andy Diaz, European shot put champion Leonardo Fabbri and Olympic 4x100m relay gold medallist Fausto Desalu.
All three offered words of encouragement to the next generation of athletes who will compete in July. Desalu reflected on his own memories of the city: “I’ll never forget winning bronze in the 4x100m relay here at the 2013 European Junior Championships.”
Meanwhile, Diaz and Fabbri highlighted the significance of the medals awaiting Europe’s rising stars: “That gold medal represents a dream and a source of motivation for every athlete stepping onto the track.”
“Rieti is at the centre of athletics”
Italian Athletics Federation (FIDAL) President Stefano Mei praised the work being carried out ahead of the championships. “Rieti occupies a special place in Italian athletics thanks to its champions, its history and the work of local club Studentesca Rieti Andrea Milardi,” he said.
“Organising an event of this scale is never easy, but the local organising committee is doing an outstanding job. European Athletics expects the highest standards and they will find them here. We are looking forward to a fantastic championship.”
Local Organising Committee President Riccardo Guerci and General Secretary Federico Rinaldi added: “We have been working towards this event for many years. It represents an important opportunity not only for Rieti but for the wider region. We are ready and excited to welcome Europe’s best young athletes.”
Mayor Daniele Sinibaldi emphasised the significance of the championships for the city: “Rieti has been waiting for this event for years. It will be a chance to showcase our city to the international athletics community and demonstrate just how deeply athletics is rooted in our identity.”
Deputy Mayor and Sports Councillor Chiara Mestichelli revealed plans for a dedicated fan village where visitors will be able to experience local food, culture and traditions alongside the sporting action.
A medal inspired by Rieti’s heritage
The medal design reflects the strong connection between Rieti’s rich history and the future of European athletics.
At its centre are the city’s medieval walls, whose distinctive battlements symbolise centuries of history, culture and tradition. Beneath them flow elegant lines inspired by the Velino River, one of the defining features of the region.
The river, which runs through the heart of the city and alongside the Raul Guidobaldi Stadium, is transformed in the design into a blue athletics track, linking Rieti’s natural landscape with its sporting heritage.
Manufactured from zinc alloy, each medal measures 85mm in diameter and weighs 180 grams. They will become the ultimate prize for around 1,200 athletes competing at Rieti 2026.
As the countdown continues, the medals provide a powerful symbol of what awaits Europe’s next generation of athletics stars this summer in one of the sport’s most iconic settings