Italy Shines at 2023 Under 20 European Athletics Championships with Historic Victory

The 2023 Under 20 European Athletics Championships came to a triumphant conclusion on August 10 in Tampere, Finland, marking its twenty-eighth edition. This year, the spotlight was on Italy, predominantly due to the extraordinary performance of fifteen-year-old Kelly Doualla, who clinched gold medals in both the 100 meters and the 4x100 meter relay. Doualla, born in 2009, is lauded not just for her success but also for being the youngest athlete to secure gold in the under 20 100 meters, breaking a record set in 1975. Italy's remarkable achievements propelled the nation to the top of the final medal table, an unprecedented feat in the event's history, which is usually dominated by Germany, Russia, and the United Kingdom. However, in Tampere, Italy secured 14 medals in total – including 6 golds, 3 silvers, and 5 bronzes – putting them ahead of the United Kingdom and tying with Spain in total medals but winning more golds. This year's Championships marked a significant improvement compared to Italy's performance in previous competitions, finishing fifth in 2023 with only 2 golds and even lower places in earlier years. Over the past decade, Italy's presence in athletics has fluctuated, but the current results signify a promising revival. In addition to Doualla's remarkable achievements, Italy claimed gold in the men's 200 meters with Diego Nappi, who celebrated just before his 18th birthday. Other golds included Matteo Togni in the men's 110 meters hurdles, and triumphs in both men's and women's triple jump with Francesco Crotti and Erika Saraceni, who shattered a longstanding championship record. Notably, on the afternoon of August 10, Italy garnered eight medals in less than three hours, showcasing their prowess across various disciplines. The medal tally also featured contributions from events such as the men's and women's 4x400 relays, the women's 800 meters, the women's 100 meters hurdles, racewalking, high jump, and shot put. This diverse range of achievements illustrates the balanced performance of Italian athletes, who excelled not only in sprints and jumps but also in other athletic fields. The Italian Athletics Federation (FIDAL) described the results as unprecedented and highlighted how the distribution of medals can reshape perceptions and rankings in athletics. In addition to their medal tally, the athletes secured multiple fourth, fifth, and placements ranging from sixth to eighth, indicating a strong presence in finals across various events. The 2023 Championships also highlighted the ongoing success of Italian athletics, tying back to past triumphs at notable competitions. From the outstanding performances at the absolute European Championships to the results of the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, where Italy clinched five gold medals, there's a renewed energy in Italian track and field. This resurgence began after years of stagnation, and the influence of previous successes is now motivating younger athletes. Stefano Mei, FIDAL's president, expressed optimism about the future of Italian athletics. He emphasized that the current generation of young athletes, who were inspired by the Olympic victories, are now stepping up to the challenge and showcasing their talents on international stages. The championships in Tampere were not solely an Italian affair, as other nations like Norway and the United Kingdom excelled in various middle-distance events and Sweden saw success with Axel Rogö in the pole vault. Furthermore, Polish decathlete Hubert Troscianka made history by setting a new under 20 world record, surpassing 8500 points. In summary, the Under 20 European Athletics Championships of 2023 marked a turning point for Italian athletics, highlighting its potential to cultivate future champions while galvanizing young talent inspired by past successes. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2