A Historic Week at Alexander Stadium
The 2026 European Athletics Championships reach their final day today in Birmingham, marking the conclusion of a week-long showcase of continental talent. Hosted at the Alexander Stadium, this edition of the championships has been defined by standout performances and a significant shift in the British sprint hierarchy.
At the center of the narrative is Amy Hunt, who has emerged as the breakout star of the meet. Having already secured victories in the 100m and 200m, and contributing to a triumphant performance in the women’s 4x100m relay, Hunt is currently in pursuit of a fourth gold medal. Her dominant run has effectively signaled a changing of the guard, notably dethroning defending champion Dina Asher-Smith and establishing Hunt as a primary force in European sprinting.
High-Stakes Competition
The event has attracted a world-class field, including ten reigning world champions. Among the highlights, legendary pole vaulter Mondo Duplantis has been a focal point for spectators, while Norwegian star Jakob Ingebrigtsen marked a successful return from injury to secure his seventh European gold medal in the 5,000m.
The middle-distance events have also provided significant drama. Following a controversial semi-final where she was advanced despite a fall, Switzerland’s Audrey Werro claimed the 800m title, narrowly defeating local favorite Keely Hodgkinson. The competition continues today with a packed final-day schedule, including the men’s and women’s marathons in the morning and a series of high-stakes track and field finals this evening.
Final Day Schedule
As the championships draw to a close, the focus turns to the final medal events. The morning session features the women’s and men’s marathons starting at 7:30am and 8:10am BST, respectively. The evening session, beginning at 7:00pm BST, will determine the winners in several disciplines, including the men’s pole vault, women’s javelin, and the concluding 4x400m relay events.
UK viewers can access full coverage through the BBC’s multi-platform broadcast, including BBC One, BBC Two, and the BBC iPlayer, with expert commentary provided by a team including Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill and Greg Rutherford.