The European Athletics Championships are in full swing in Italy, and the host country is dominating the competition with an incredible haul of medals. Italy has already surpassed its best total of titles from 1990 and continues to add to its collection. Yemaneberhan Crippa set a new championship record in the half marathon, securing another gold for Italy. With a total of six individual gold medals, five silver, and one bronze, the Italian team is leading the medal standings by a wide margin.
Italy has achieved three doubles on home soil, with Antonella Palmisano and Valentina Trapletti taking the top two spots in the 20km race walk, and Marcell Jacobs defending his European title in the 100m sprint. Jacobs expressed his satisfaction with the win, despite not achieving his target time, highlighting his dedication to improving and providing excitement for Italy.
The Italian team continued their success with Lorenzo Simonelli winning the 110m hurdles, Leonardo Fabbri triumphing in the shot put, and Nadia Battocletti clinching victory in the 5,000m race. Mattia Furlani secured a silver in the long jump, the Italian mixed relay team claimed silver in the 4x400m relay, and Francesco Fortunato earned a bronze in the 20km race walk.
The impressive medal haul comes as reigning Olympic high jump champion Gianmarco Tamberi is yet to compete in the competition and will participate in the finals on Tuesday. Italy’s success at the European Championships follows their outstanding performance at the Tokyo Olympics, where they won five gold medals, propelling them to second place in the overall standings.
Despite a less remarkable showing at the World Championships in recent years, Italy’s dominance at home in Rome indicates that they will be a force to be reckoned with at the upcoming Paris Olympics. The Italian athletes are determined to continue their winning streak and make their mark on the international stage.