Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
Linda Botková, a 16-year-old Czech athlete, delivered the standout performance at the European U18 Championships in Rieti by breaking the European U20 record in the girls’ 400m hurdles with a time of 55.19 seconds. This time took nearly two seconds off her previous personal best and placed her second on the world U18 all-time list behind Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone. Botková improved the championship record in every round and also helped Czechia secure gold in the 1000m medley relay on the final day.
Botková described the event as an incredible experience, noting each race was a personal and championship best. She plans to compete in the 100m hurdles at the World Athletics U20 Championships in Oregon next.
Great Britain achieved the highest overall medal tally, winning eight gold medals and setting championship records in five disciplines. Samuel James notably advanced in the boys’ high jump, clearing 2.25m, equaling the British U18 best, and ranking 13th on the world U18 all-time list.
Other British achievements included Divine Iheme winning the boys’ 100m in 10.29 seconds (a championship record), and Bronson Hearn-Smith taking the boys’ 200m title with a record time of 20.70 seconds after teammate Ethan Heggarty was disqualified. Tito Odunaike won the boys’ triple jump, matching his world U18 leading mark of 16.12m, while Moyo Stumpenhusen claimed the discus title with a British U18 record of 64.92m.
Host nation Italy celebrated Kelly Doualla’s victory in the girls’ 100m, where she set a European U18 best, a championship record, and a world U18 lead with a time of 11.14 seconds, moving to tenth on the world U18 all-time list.