Will Birmingham 2026 be "best ever"?
by 10th August 2026
“The best ever.”
That’s the ambition from European Athletics President Dobromir Karamarinov as the countdown to the Birmingham 2026 European Athletics Championships reaches its final day.
Tomorrow (Monday 10 August), the wait is over.
From 10-16 August, Europe’s finest athletes will descend on Birmingham for seven unforgettable days of championship athletics – and the excitement is building ahead of the opening action at Alexander Stadium, where Sunday's Press Conference took place.
Karamarinov believes Birmingham has all the ingredients to deliver something truly special, with Britain staging the European Athletics Championships for the first time in history.
And some of the biggest names in European athletics are ready...
?? Audrey Werro: medals over records
After a sensational season, Switzerland’s 800m star Audrey Werro arrives in Birmingham with one thing on her mind: the podium.
Records may have fallen along the way, but at a major championships the equation is simple – it’s all about the medals.
?? Matthew Hudson-Smith is coming home
For European 400m record holder Matthew Hudson-Smith, Birmingham carries extra meaning. Returning to compete in the city where his athletics journey began brings plenty of nostalgia – but when he steps onto the track, the focus will be firmly on delivering in front of a home crowd.
? Amy Hunt is ready for the spotlight
And British sprint star Amy Hunt is bringing a different kind of energy to Birmingham. Her inspiration? Sharpay Evans from High School Musical: want the spotlight, embrace it and own the moment.
With Europe’s best athletes ready, Birmingham ready and just ONE DAY TO GO, the stage is set.
Could Birmingham 2026 really be the best European Athletics Championships ever?
We’re about to find out.