The Tampere 2025 European Athletics U20 Championships delivered some memorable, unforgettable moments with Europe's most exciting athletics talents. Here’s some of the best quotes from the athletes who starred at Tampere 2025:
Axel Rogö (SWE) – men’s pole vault, gold:
“It is amazing to do pole vault in Mondo era. Before the competition, he texted me: ‘Go, kill it.’ I think I did. I met him a couple of times and he is a great dude. His mentality in pole vault is something what inspires me, and he really shows there are no limits in sports and especially pole vault. As long as you believe in yourself, anything is possible.”
Kelly Doualla (ITA) – women’s 100m, gold:
“This is a huge success for me and for my career. My mum is a big fan of Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, so my middle name is also Ann. I have always been following her since my childhood.”
Innes FitzGerald (GBR) – women’s 3000m and 5000m, gold medallist:
“My season has been incredible so far. Definitely exceeded all of my expectations so far. I am looking forward to the big things ahead. World Championships is a big aim in September so working on that.”
Pedro Afonso (POR) – men’s 200m, silver:
“I tend to personalise my life a lot. For example, I am a vegan I am doing a warm-up on bare foot. These are the things I do not see much other athletes doing.”
Jana Koscak (CRO) – heptathlon, gold:
“To get the entire collection of the European U18, European U20, world U20 and EYOF (European Youth Olympic Festival) gold - it is like entire collection almost complete, and now, on to senior athletics.”
Alessia Succo (ITA) – women’s 100m hurdles, bronze:
“I did not expect to be third as I am only 16-years-old. It is not difficult to combine school and training. I train in the afternoon and then I study in the train on the way home. In the future I hope to study in the university and at the same time compete.”
Marti Torregrossa (ESP) – men’s 3000m steeplechase, silver:
“The 3000m steeplechase is more entertaining than flat distances. I like it more and it is less boring when running. I like the atmosphere in Tampere and especially the Athletes’ Zone.
Francesco Efeosa Crotti (ITA) – men’s triple jump, gold:
“I heard that there is Christian Taylor in the crowd, that is very interesting. He is one of my idols. Now it is the time to celebrate. The best reward for me is a good food. Now that the season is over, we can cheat a bit. McDonalds or pizza - that is something for me.”
Nova Kienast (GER) – women’s hammer throw, gold:
“Amazing, relieved, excited and also a little bit chaotic as I cannot realize it right now - that is how I am feeling. It was a high pressure but I think I did pretty well. I talked to the sport psychologist right before my final.”
Conor Kelly (IRL) – men’s 400m, gold:
“Incredible day at the office, I need a bonus. I'm working overtime here. Making national U20 record is very special to me.”
Alexandra Stefania Uta (ROU) – women’s 400m hurdles, gold:
“Now, I will buy some sweets, that is for sure, because I am not allowed to eat them during the season.”
Vita Barbic (CRO) – women’s javelin, gold:
“It is a big day for the Finnish athletics. It is an amazing thing that two Finnish athletes won medals. It is very important to enjoy the moment and relax because it is a very big thing.”
Serena di Fabio (ITA) – women’s 10,000m race walk, silver:
“I love simple things; I am a very calm girl. I love reading books, staying with my family, and chill. I study scientific high school. I love race walking; I love the feelings you get in the race. Sometimes, it might be painful, but then, you can feel happiness for that you have done something very difficult.”
Aatu Kangasniemi (FIN) – men’s hammer, bronze:
“It is a big day for the Finnish athletics. It is an amazing thing that two Finnish athletes won medals. It is very important to enjoy the moment and relax because it is a very big thing.”
Jarno van Daalen (NED) – men’s shot put and men’s discus, gold:
“I was very nervous about the throws. But I got a message from my sister - she messaged to my mum, who is my coach, saying like: ‘Do not put the pressure on yourself. As long as you just hit it, you can get a good throw.’ Then I was just thinking about that the whole time.
"I had to play it safe, not to go crazy. So, after the third attempt, I was like, I am done with this and now, I can just throw, and I will just go for it. And you could see it in my fourth throw - that was my best one. I would like to thank to my sister for helping me. And also my coach, who is the best coach and the best mum in the world.”
