INSIDE TRACK NEWSLETTER OF EUROPEAN ATHLETICS JULY 2018

Running for All Győr U18 Championships DNA Testing CEO Conference & Comms Seminar

THE MOMENT German athletes ready to challenge Europe at 2018 European Championships 's2017 EUROPEAN Emirates ATHLETICS CONGRESS Arena will stage the 2019 European Athletics Indoor Championships

in front of a home crowd will make it GLASGOW 2019 even more special,” said the Rio 2016 and 2017 IAAF World Championships 5000m finalist. ON THE HORIZON Billy Garrett, Director of Sport and Events at Glasgow Life and Co-Chair of European Championships host city will stage another the Glasgow 2019 Steering Committee, world-class sporting event. commented: “It is an honour to be hosting the European Athletics Indoor Everybody’s attention is currently tickets, which went on sale in April, look Championships in 2019. Glasgow and on the Berlin 2018 European Athletics likely to be at a premium with capacity Scotland will once again find itself at Championships this summer, which will crowds expected for three days of action. the forefront of the athletics world. The be part of the first multisport European Scottish athletes, notwithstanding three-day event is sure to further enhance Championships alongside co-hosts any ambitions they may have for 2018, Glasgow’s world-renowned reputation as Glasgow. However, on the horizon, the are motivated and excited about the a sporting city that can deliver first class Glasgow 2019 European Athletics Indoor continent’s premier indoor athletics international events time and time again.” Championships is just a few months away competition returning to Glasgow after a Cherry Alexander, Major Events Director on 1-3 March next year. 29-year hiatus. at British Athletics and Sport Director The 35th edition of this European Reigning European indoor 1500m and for Glasgow 2019, added: “Glasgow has Athletics Major Competition was awarded 3000m champion Laura Muir has said that such a rich heritage of athletics with the to the Scottish city in April 2016 and the she intends to defend at least one of her Glasgow International Match stretching Local Organising Committee have worked titles in front of her family and friends while back to 1988, and with a world-class venue tirelessly in the last two years to ensure one of Europe's leading men’s distance at its disposal in the Emirates Arena, I am that Glasgow will once again stage a world- runners and fellow Scot Andrew Butchart certain we are in for another magnificent class sporting event less than seven months also wants to go for glory in Glasgow. championships come March 2019.” after being a host city for the European “It’s so exciting to have the European Tickets for Glasgow 2019 went on Championships. indoors coming to Scotland next general release in April and can be Around 600 athletes are expected to year. I’ve always wanted to race these purchased via the organisation's website compete in the city’s Emirates Arena and championships and to be able to compete www.glasgow2019athletics.com.

CEO: Christian Milz Co-ordination: Design, Production, Print: James Mulligan, SportBusiness Communications Office: European Athletics Communication Gautam House, 1-3 Shenley Ave, Avenue Louis-Ruchonnet 16 Department Middx, HA4 6BP, CH-1003 Lausanne Phone +41 (0)21 313 43 57 Phone +44 (0)1494 728842 European Athletics Switzerland [email protected] [email protected], Pensord Association Européenne d’Athlétisme Phone +41 (0)21 313 43 50 Press, UK Text, Photos: President: Svein Arne Hansen Fax +41 (0)21 313 43 51 [email protected] James Mulligan, Phil Minshull, Steven Follow us: Vice Presidents: Mills, Phil Savage, SportBusiness facebook.com/EuropeanAthletics 2 | INSIDE TRACK www.european-athletics.org Dobromir Karamarinov Communications, Svein Arne Hansen, @euroathletics Frank Hensel Inside Track is published by European Christian Milz, Andy Heading, Getty YouTube/European Athletics Jean Gracia Athletics Images, Event Organisers Instagram.com/europeanathletics WORD FROM THE PRESIDENT

BERLIN BECKONS

It goes almost without saying that I am looking forward immensely to the Berlin 2018 European Athletics Championships this summer. These Championships are the pinnacle of our sport in Europe, the most prestigious athletics competition in the world this year, and the event that will command the biggest TV audience of any athletics competition in 2018. The Championships also have an historic significance to sport in general. As a reader of Inside Track, you are likely to be aware that European Athletics has joined forces with the governing bodies of six other sports and since 2015 we have collectively been working tirelessly to produce the inaugural multisport European Championships. Athletics will be staged in Berlin while the six other sports will all be co-hosted in Glasgow. The European Championships will supercharge the participating sports and athletes and bring all the excitement they create to new and larger audiences across the continent – the ultimate platform to promote our sports. With the top athletes from across the continent competing, the stage is set for an event that both celebrates and elevates the sporting champions of Europe. The athletes competing at this event are the best at what they do out of a pool of 850 million Europeans – an accomplishment that needs to be celebrated! Between the participating sports, there are a combined 450 years of history. The European Championships in the individual sports have a long, rich history and tradition that actually pre-dates the modern Olympic era. In the last century, these sports all enjoyed a huge profile and following as individual Championships, but in recent years, there has been a proliferation of broadcast channels, new sporting events and new forms of entertainment competing for audience shares. Multisport events in all other continents of the world have demonstrated the power of aggregation and by coming together we are able to create the platform that will elevate the Champions of Europe with the recognition that they deserve. This is an unparalleled opportunity to put athletics in front of the public because I firmly believe that uniting with other sports has given us the resources and platform to show off our sport in a way that has never been done before, especially as all of Europe’s major free-to-air broadcasters will televise the European Championships. Being part of the development of the European Championships has been very enjoyable since I was elected President in 2015 and I hope to be able to continue my work in this area into the next decade. At last year’s Congress, rule changes were enacted which would allow me to stand again as President and at this year’s CEO Conference in a few months ago, I was able to confirm that it’s my intention to stand for re-election at the European Athletics Elective Congress in April 2019. This page in Inside Track is not an election manifesto, and nor should it be, but I think it is important for Member Federations and the wider European Athletics family to know my plans. Nothing would make me happier than still being the European Athletics President in 2022 and being present in that capacity at the second multisport European Championships. Svein Arne Hansen

INSIDE TRACK | 3 BERLIN 2018 BER L I N 2 0 1 8 BERLIN 2018

THE BIG ONE! The moment is almost here as the final touches are applied to Berlin 2018.

It is no exaggeration to say that the excitement is palpable in During a TV interview between the well-known German Berlin as the city prepares to stage the Berlin 2018 European presenter Jessica Kastrop and 2012 Olympic Games Athletics Championships from 7-12 August 2018. As the city discus champion Robert Harting, Berlino emerged from a – alongside European Championships co-hosts Glasgow – large box before falling into the arms of his old friend and prepares to welcome thousands of athletes, coaches, officials, sparring partner. media and fans we try and capture the exhilaration and sum “It’s great that Berlino is back,” enthused Harting. “We’ve up what they can expect when they arrive. been buddies since I won my world championships title here in 2009.” BERLINO IS BACK! Berlino joins Bonnie the Seal who will be the mascot for In what has been described as the most sensational the inaugural multisport European Championships co-hosts comeback of 2018 apart from Swedish supergroup Abba, Glasgow 2018. Berlino has been named official mascot of the Berlin 2018 He will be almost ever-present in the Berlin Olympic European Athletics Championships. Stadium during the six days of the Championships but will The lovable bear first wowed audiences nine years also be a regular at the European Mile at Breitscheidplatz. ago at the IAAF World Championships Berlin 2009 and is considered as arguably the best mascot ever to grace an CAPACITY CROWDS EXPECTED athletics event. No surprise then that his imminent return to The return of Berlino is not the only reason spirits are high action at Berlin 2018 has brought universal acclaim. among everyone connected with Berlin 2018. The local Berlino was such a hit with spectators that he appeared organisers are also buoyed by strong ticket sales. At the regularly in the years following the event to entertain start of May, three months before the event, 200,000 tickets the masses at the famous ISTAF meetings in the German had already been sold. capital. The Berlin Olympic Stadium holds 55,000-people – the However, when the announcement came at the end of capacity having been reduced owing to a Live Mixed Zone, April that he would be centre stage in Berlin this summer, work spaces and athlete seating – and for the evening it caused a huge surprise and excitement among athletics session of Saturday 11 August, almost three-quarters of the fans. seats had been sold three months before the event.

INSIDE TRACK | 5 BERLIN 2018

Berlino is back as mascot for Berlin 2018

Frank Kowalski, CEO for Berlin 2018, commented: “The concept of a new top-level multisport event in “With 200,000 tickets already sold, we are fully on Europe is really resonating with national broadcasters track. This huge success has never been achieved and this means millions of viewers will be able to before by a European Athletics Championships at such experience the magic of the European Championships an early stage. Our ambitious goal is to sell 340,000 free-to-air, supporting their heroes and inspiring the tickets and we will do everything to reach that goal.” athletes of the future," added Kürten. As an appetizer for athletics enthusiasts, a ‘Day There will be approximately 300 hours of Q’ has been organised for Monday 6 August. ‘Day programming for the entire 11-day European Q’ will provide free entry and free choice of seats in Championships across television, radio and online, certain blocks to anyone who wishes to follow the free-to-air in all the main markets, with an anticipated qualification rounds for the hammer throw and long 2700 hours of television coverage across the jump, as well as the first round heats of the 100m and Championships. 400m hurdles. EUROPEAN MILE & LINK WITH BERLIN ZOO HUGE TV AUDIENCE ACROSS EUROPE The Berlin 2018 European Athletics Championships The ambition of reaching a TV audience of over one cultural and sports programme, European Mile, will billion viewers, with millions more watching across bring the action from the Berlin Olympic Stadium multiple digital platforms, looks like becoming a directly into the city, culminating in a festival reality as broadcasters line up to cover the event. atmosphere at Breitscheidplatz in the west of the The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) confirmed German capital. in March that almost 40 European broadcasters have In addition to hosting the finish of the race walk now signed up as rights-holders for the multisport and events, the square will stage the men's European Championships, ensuring dedicated qualification and most victory ceremonies. Previous pages, Left coverage from EBU members across all major The nearby Berlin Zoo will also play an important role Athletes clockwise European markets for the inaugural event. by providing a warm-up zone for the race walk and from the top: David In addition to wide-scale pan-European coverage marathon competitors. Storl, Marie-Laurence there are also confirmed agreements in place across For seven days, a unique architectural landscape Jungfleisch, Antje the globe including in Latin America and the Asia/ will be created in Berlin’s City West, where an athletics Moldner-Schmidt and Pacific region. experience can be savoured and enjoyed every single Gesa-Felicitas Krause, Richard Ringer EBU Sports Director Stefan Kürten commented: day. A striking blue 400m track will snake around the Right Raphael "We're really pleased to confirm this extensive Breitscheidplatz for visitors to exercise on while the Holzdeppe, Gina coverage across Europe and in further territories centrepiece will be a temporary fanzone for almost Luckenkemper worldwide. 3000 spectators.

6 | INSIDE TRACK BERLIN 2018

Since the first European Athletics Championships great match for each other,” he said. “A world-class in 1934, there has never been a victory ceremony sporting event supported by the leading manufacturer held in the centre of a host city but this arena will of athletic footwear and apparel, in a world-class city. break with tradition and stage victory ceremonies The eyes of Europe and beyond will be on us this in the evenings. In addition to the sporting August and together we will not fail to deliver.” competitions and victory ceremonies, an attractive and diverse programme with music and artistic WHAT THEY ARE SAYING entertainment awaits visitors. President of the German Athletic Federation Jürgen Kessing: “The Berlin 2018 European Athletics NIKE TO BE BERLIN 2018 OFFICIAL PARTNER Championships, being staged on home soil, will be On 27 April, with just over 100 days to go until groundbreaking for athletics in . The return the start of the Berlin 2018 European Athletics of Berlino, free tickets on Day Q and the victory Championships, it was announced that the ceremonies at the European Mile in the heart of Berlin international sportswear company Nike will be the are the latest of many measures designed to ensure event’s Official Partner. everyone sees the full potential of athletics at the “We are delighted to be part of the Berlin 2018 European Championships.” European Athletics Championships,” said Bert Hoyt, Dr Clemens Prokop, Chairman of the Supervisory Vice-President and General Manager Nike EMEA. Board Berlin 2018: “I still remember our bid to host “Nike’s mission is to bring inspiration and innovation the European Athletics Championships. That was to every athlete in the world, and this partnership will five years ago and now we are on the final stretch of allow us to better serve athletes in sport-obsessed preparations.” Berlin and beyond.” “The organising team has already done great European Athletics President Svein Arne Hansen things, with many innovative ideas, and the pre-sale said the partnership with Nike underscored the numbers speak for themselves. It should be a festival importance and broad appeal to the public of the atmosphere at the stadium and at the city centre European Athletics Championships. at Breitscheidplatz that will set new standards in Some vital statistics for “Berlin, the European Championships and Nike are generating enthusiasm.” Berlin 2018

th Up to themoment

24 European Athletics Championships 350,000 1st multisport European Championships Tickets sold

40 International 1500 Athletes Days of competition broadcasters 6

Over 1billion worldwide viewers 50 Countries 2850 Minutes of action

Millions more Stadium weddings streaming online 50 Medal events 2

Aikaterini Stefanidi receives her Athlete of the Year award

INSIDE TRACK | 7 GYŐR 2018

GYŐR AIMS FOR CHAMPIONSHIP GOLD STANDARD Teenage athletes' chance to shine in second edition of the European Athletics U18 Championships. The second edition of the European U20 Championships in Grosseto, , last include Greek sprinter Ioánnis Granitsiótis, Athletics U18 Championships will take summer against rivals at least a year older Great Britain’s Max Burgin, who set a place in the Hungarian city of Győr in July than themselves. world age-15 800m best of 1:47.50 in May, and, like the inaugural championship in Many other medallists from Tbilisi also French 110m hurdler Kenny Fletcher and the Georgian capital Tbilisi two years ago, got on the podium again in Grosseto and it the Norwegian discus thrower Fabian it will give the continent’s top teenage is expected that most of these athletes will Weinberg. talents one of their first chances to once again be in contention for the medals On the girl’s side, Ireland’s Sarah Healy perform in an international championship at the IAAF World U20 Championships won the European Youth Olympic Festival setting. Tampere 2018 which will be staged the (EYOF) 1500m last summer and ran a In Tbilisi, the winners included week after Győr. European U18 best of 4:09.25 in June Great Britain’s Jake Heyward (1500m), This year, athletes born in 2001 and while Serbia’s nascent javelin star Adriana Switzerland’s Delia Sclabas (3000m), 2002 will be eligible for the European Vilagos is more than four metres - and five Moldova’s Alexandra Emilianov (discus), Athletics U18 Championships that will competitions - better than anyone else in France's Martin Lamou (), Czech take place between 5-8 July. Looking into the world. Republic’s Katerina Skypalová (hammer) a crystal ball for a U18 championship and Ukraine’s prodigious 16-year-old high and Ukraine’s Alina Shukh (heptathlon). making predictions with any accuracy is jumper Yaroslava Mahuchikh won the They all subsequently went on to win their a notoriously difficult exercise, but some world U18 title in Nairobi last summer specialist events at the European Athletics of the promising names to watch out for and followed that up two weeks later with

8 | INSIDE TRACK GYŐR 2018

Ones to watch: far left 's Aleksandra Nacheva, Left Ukraine's Mykhaylo Kokhan and (below) Yaroslava Mahuchikh

a win at the EYOF. This summer, she has the Danube and the Rába – will provide a improved her own national U18 record to splendid backdrop to the championships. 1.93m to come within two centimetres of Visitors will be able to enjoy sights that the world age-16 best. include the Bishops Castle, which contains Bulgarian triple jumper Aleksandra the 15th-century Gothic Dóczy Chapel, Nacheva bounded out to 14.00m in as well as a number of well-preserved June to go second on the European U18 squares adorned by historic monuments. all-time list. Nearly 1000 athletes from In keeping with the current trend for 48 of the European Athletics Member bringing back popular mascots to help Federations are expected to travel to Győr promote events and engage fans, Győr and regardless of who eventually stands 2018 will welcome the return of Hugoo the on the podium, the championship hosts Rooster. are aiming to make their mark in terms of Hugoo is based on the local iron rooster organisation. legend which is famous throughout Members of the Győr 2018 Local and dates back to the late 16th Organising Committee were in Tbilisi and Century. The character in the folk tale is observed those championships. They said to embody freedom, courage and took careful note of what worked well Hungarian inventiveness. with specific reference to organising a Hugoo came to life in 2013 and, championship for this age group and – according his backstory provided by the inevitably as it was the inaugural edition Győr 2018 organisers, he has tried many – also what could be improved upon. Győr different sports proving to be very gifted then staged the 2017 European Youth in all of them with athletics becoming Olympic Festival last July in which athletics especially dear to him. was one of eight sports. As the official mascot, Hugoo will Events in the Olympic Sport Park become a familiar figure to everyone stadium were judged to have been a huge traveling to Győr in July and will be success and, building on the expertise well-remembered by the athletes, acquired by staging the EYOF, the Győr their families and officials who 2018 organisers are optimistic that the city were at European Youth Olympic will be remembered as exemplary hosts of Festival in the same city 12 their next major sporting undertaking. months ago. Győr itself – with the historic centre at the confluence of four rivers including

INSIDE TRACK | 9 NEWS IN BRIEF

NEWS

STRENGTHENING LEADERSHIP European Athletics announced the promotion of Célia Mendes to Deputy CEO earlier this year.

The Lithuanian Athletics Federation Célia, originally from , meeting with European Athletics Council , will work under the Members direction of CEO Christian Milz, supporting across a wide range of management areas including relations with European Athletics Partner Organisations and other LITHUANIA COMPLETES SECOND FOCUS stakeholders. She will also be responsible for FEDERATION PROGRAMME managing the long-term planning, bidding and evaluation procedures Lithuania became the second European together while also moving us forward.” for all European Athletics events. Athletics Member Federation to take The Lithuation Federation’s objectives “Célia will be a great asset and is part in the Focus Federation Programme include attracting new sponsors and the perfect role model for all woman when it presented to the 151st European increasing revenues, organising more working in sport and gender equality Athletics Council meeting in May in Berlin. training courses and seminars, and getting in general,” said European Athletics Members of the Athletic Federation more involved with local running events. President Svein Arne Hansen. of Lithuania provided the Council with The Federation reported that its national Prior to her promotion, Célia was highlights of the nation’s greatest athletics broadcaster, LRT, will broadcast the Berlin Head of Bidding & Special Projects accomplishments, an overview of the 2018 European Athletics Championships, for European Athletics from 2015 staffing and structure of the federation Glasgow 2019 European Athletics and Competition Manager/Head of and details of its activities including its Indoor Championships and IAAF World Competition from 2011. objectives for 2016-2020. Championships 2019. Célia joined the Portuguese The aim of the initiative, launched in Members of the Federation visited the Athletics Federation in 2001 where April 2017, is to enhance communication, House of European Athletics in Lausanne she held the posts of Deputy transparency and understanding between in March to fulfill the first part of the FFP. General Secretary and Events/ Member Federations and European The two-day agenda incorporated a robust Competition Manager. She holds Athletics. Two Member Federations are programme of meetings, workshops and a degree in International Relations invited to Lausanne each year and the presentations in which the delegation was and an Executive Masters in Sport programme is open to all Federations who briefed on all areas of European Athletics’ Organisations Management currently do not have any representation operations, ranging from competition “European Athletics has long on the Council. structure, bidding processes, good championed women in our “We were very impressed by the governance and marketing strategy to administration especially in presentation from the Athletic Federation landmark initiatives such as I Run Clean, leadership roles and Célia’s rise within of Lithuania about whom we have Running for All and Dynamic New Athletics our organisation is testament to the learned a great deal more lately both (DNA). opportunities provided to all our professionally and personally,” said The Athletic Federation of Lithuania employees,” said European Athletics European Athletics President Svein Arne was the second to complete the FFP CEO Christian Milz. Hansen. following the Athletic Federation in “We are proud that European “The success of the Focus Federation November last year. Later this year Latvia Athletics is leading the change within Programme is not in doubt – the process will become the third Member Federation the sports world in terms of numbers is serving to bring our organisation closer to complete the programme. of women in leadership positions."

10 | INSIDE TRACK NEWS IN BRIEF

TILBURG PREPARING WELL FOR 2018 SPAR EUROPEAN CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS

A delegation from European Athletics the perfect date to invite our European the LOC and the European Athletics staff. headed by Vice President Frank Hensel Athletics colleagues to this fantastic We look forward to a fantastic SPAR visited Tilburg for a two-day site visit location. The team was very satisfied with European Cross Country Championships ahead of the SPAR European Cross the progress we have made. That gives on what will be the 25th anniversary of Country Championships on 9 December. the LOC new energy for the upcoming this important event,” he said. Together with the Local Organising months,” said Cees van Loon, chairman of Tilburg also staged the 2005 edition Committee, they discussed the progress the Local Organising Committee. of the SPAR European Cross Country of the preparations for what will be After the two-day visit, Hensel said he Championships. The LOC is already active the 25th edition of the annual event. was pleased with the pace of preparations on social media and a regular newsletter The course is a traditional one at the ahead of the championships. “I am circulated to fans and media details all of Safaripark Beekse Bergen which recently confident in what I have seen from the the latest news and developments ahead opened a new Safari Resort. LOC. I am very pleased with the strong of the event. Tickets will be going on sale “The opening of the Safari Resort was vibes and feelings of cooperation between very soon.

EUROPEAN MILE WILL REMEMBER VICTIMS OF TERROR A 'European Mile' is set to bring sport commemoration of the victims of the along it. A 3000-capacity cultural arena is and culture to Breitscheidplatz Square in terrible attack during this summer's being built to allow spectators to enjoy the heart of Berlin this summer. Championships. There are plans for an the nightly victory ceremonies on a huge The European Mile was a key part of ecumenical service for the bereaved and a stage. This will be the first time in the Berlin’s bid for the European Athletics Room of Silence.” history of the continental championships Championships, and the terror attack The square will be transformed from – since 1934 – that victory ceremonies will on the Christmas Market held in the 7-12 August as part of the Berlin 2018 be held outside the stadium and in the square in December 2016 only served to European Athletics Championships, acting city centre of the host city. underscore its importance. as the finish line for the marathon and The inclusion of Breitscheidplatz “After the terror attack we wanted walking events, as well as the stage for the in the western part of Berlin into the to scrap the whole concept for reasons men’s shot put qualification and nightly European Athletics Championships was of reverence but all parties involved victory ceremonies. All in the shadow a big part of the rationale for the city's adhered to the planning and the of the iconic Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial bid to stage the championships and has authorities motivated us to stick with Church. been fully supported by the Berlin state the Breitscheidplatz idea,” recalls Frank As part of the European Mile, a 400m government. the European Mile will be Kowalski, CEO of Berlin 2018. vivid-blue running track will line the entire the centrepiece of a cultural event which "Berlin 2018 wanted to include a square, inviting visitors to stroll or run will attract up to half a million spectators.

INSIDE TRACK | 11 NEWS IN BRIEF

NEWS CONTINUED

MOMENTUM BULDING AROUND GLOBAL RUNNING DAY

Global Running Day celebrated its 3rd European Athletics also encouraged “Teaming up again with New York edition in June supported once again all event organisers for the upcoming Road Runners for Global Running Day by European Athletics. The grassroots European Week of Sport (23-30 is obvious for European Athletics,” said project was originally initiated by New September) to include Running For All European Athletics President Svein Arne York Road Runners for people of all races and spread the word by asking Hansen. abilities and backgrounds to come people to pledge to run on 6 June. Staff at “The spirit and intent of this initiative together and celebrate their passion for the European Headquarters in Lausanne – to encourage people to lead more running in the hope that they will also formed a team to participate in a morning active, healthier lifestyles – is in keeping inspire others to get moving. run on the day. with our Running For All programme and This year European Athletics, a global “It doesn’t matter how fast you run the foundation on which the European supporter of the Global Running Day, or how far you go – what’s important is Running Business Conference was built.” promoted the event to its Member that you take part, and how you do it is “We look forward to hearing reports Federations and reached out to the up to you,” say the organisers of Global about the success of the Global Running organisers of all 600+ Running for All Running Day. Day from the New York Road Runners races. The response and the variety of the European Athletics recognises the and our team at European Athletics and planned runs, from big events to small values of such initiatives and is proud to elsewhere.” and everything in between, was inspiring. be a Global Supporter of Global Running The first edition of the Running The day was marked in almost 130 Day. The project fits well with the aims Business Conference was held in countries around the world and included of other initiatives including Running for , Germany last October. The the Million Kid Run which aimed to get All and the European Running Business host city of the 2019 edition is expected children excited about fitness. Conference. to be announced soon.

MARKETING CEO APPOINTED European Athletics has announced development projects. Julien Mauriat as the new Chief Executive European Athletics Marketing AG, Officer of European Athletics Marketing. based in Lausanne, Switzerland, is a Mauriat, previously General Director service company for the commercial of the French Athletics Federation is strategies and sales activities of European tasked with defining, developing and Athletics, including sponsor account commercialising European Athletics' management and rights delivery. Mauriat commercial strategy across the full is responsible for increasing the visibility portfolio of the organisation's activities. and attractiveness of European Athletics These include its events, corporate among major brands and securing long- programmes, communications and term partnerships for the Federation.

12 | INSIDE TRACK CEO CONFERENCE

MEETING OF MINDS IN MINSK Inspirational CEO Conference sets the pace and direction of change.

The European Athletics CEO Conference catalogued all the developments in the The conference then switched focus is always a productive meeting giving the media market and the new technologies to new European Athletics projects, opportunity to consider both strategic and that EBU and its Members are adopting in programmes and support on issues tactical challenges. This year’s event, held response. He expressed optimism about related to Member Federations. European in Minsk in April was no exception and, the future and set out ways that the new Athletics CEO Christian Milz outlined with its title ‘Embracing Change,’ senior communications tools could be used to progress on topics discussed in workshops representatives from Member Federations promote athletics to the next generation at last year’s Convention in Vilnius, knew what to expect. of fans. Lithuania. Swedish Athletics Federation Over two days they were treated to Rugby is a sport which has recently President Björn Nilsson and Latvian presentations from external speakers who enjoyed great success with Rugby 7s Athletics Federation President Ineta warmed to the theme of the need to adapt driving its re-entry into the Olympic Radevica both presented case studies to face the future. programme. World Rugby's former showing how their federations are working Olympic, Formula 1, media and sponsor Chairman, Bernard Lapasset, told the story to improve governance. strategist Michael Payne delivered a of the organisation’s progress encouraging Esther Fittko of the German Athletics keynote speech entitled 'The 21st Century sports organisations to follow their lead, Federation talked about the importance of Reality for the Business of Sport'. Payne be adventurous and not afraid to fail. gender balance and reviewed the efforts said the sporting landscape was the most "Olympic recognition," he said: "was European Athletics has made in this area uncertain it has been in the 40 years driving growth in many new markets over the last decade. First Vice President he has worked in sports marketing but for his sport, growth which has been Dobromir Karamarinov then spoke about he expressed the view that uncertainty accompanied by a dramatic expansion of the Focus Federation Programme, where presented an opportunity for sports such popularity and fan interest." Federations are invited to intensive as athletics. Nigel Garfitt, the newly appointed meetings at the European Athletics Head He repeated his mantra “Adapt and Acting CEO of IAAF competed the lineup Office in Lausanne where they also take evolve or die!” before outlining a number of international speakers as he described part in a European Athletics Council of predictions for the future of sport. He the four pillars of the IAAF strategy in the meeting. then went on to show how athletics could coming years: Elite, Mass, Commercial President Svein Arne Hansen wrapped embrace the future and take advantage of and Organisation. He then expanded up the event telling the gathered CEOs of these predictions. on the near-term priorities for the Member Federations: “What I want to see Stefan Kürten, Director of European organisation focusing on the Athletics now is a cultural shift in the sport so that Broadcasting Union Sport, works in an Integrity Unit and the organisation’s new everyone, from the political level down to industry which has seen more change than three-phase bidding process for its major the local club level, embraces change and most in recent years. His presentation championships. innovation."

MARKETING CEO APPOINTED

INSIDE TRACK | 13 EUROPEAN ATHLETICS COUNCIL

COUNCIL BACKS IAAF ON TRANSFER OF ALEGIANCE WORK WITH EXTENDED MINIMUM WAIT PERIOD

The European Athletics Council be able to transfer once during the course and meaningful competition particularly backed the IAAF’s continuing work on of their career and the countries to which for female athletes. the important issue of athlete transfer of they transfer will have to offer them full During its meeting the Council also allegiance at its 151st Council meeting in citizenship which must be verified before a appointed the Polish city of Torun as host Berlin in April. The meeting also called for transfer of allegiance will be approved. The of the 2021 European Athletics Indoor the minimum waiting period for an athlete rules are in response to concerns raised Championships. Torun narrowly lost to to switch nationality to be increased from about the regularity of athletes seeking to Glasgow in the competition to host the three to four years. represent other nations, particularly those 2019 European Indoor Championships The Council received an update from from African countries such as . but this time beat off a challenge from President Svein Arne Hansen, himself President Hansen, sitting alongside IAAF Apeldoorn in the . Both bid an IAAF Council member, on the world President and ex officio European Athletics concepts were described as outstanding governing body’s new regulations on Council member Sebastian Coe, said: “The and President Hansen thanked and transfer of allegiance to ensure the European Athletics Council has agreed congratulated both cities for their excellent integrity of competitions and athlete that the European representatives on the presentations and visions for the Indoor welfare. An IAAF working group has IAAF Council should insist on a waiting Championships. been looking at transfers of allegiance period of at least four years and calls on The Council received reports from the as part of steps by the organisation all members of the IAAF Council to support Chairs of the Event and Competition, to further strengthen the sport. They the proposal.” Development, Strategic Communications recommended a set of principles which The Council also welcomed IAAF’s and Medical & Antidoping Commissions. included a minimum waiting period before new eligibility regulations which seek to Brett Clothier, the Head of Athletics a transferred athlete can represent their facilitate the participation in the sport of Integrity Unit also reported to the Council country at a major championships. athletes with DSDs (Differences of Sexual updating it on progress made one year Under the principles, athletes will only Development) on terms that preserve fair after the Unit was set up.

14 | INSIDE TRACK DYNAMIC NEW ATHLETICS

DNA TESTING New form of athletics jumps first hurdle.

A brand new form of athletics was given its first with a staggered start based on how many points official examination at a test event staged in Portugal each team has. The winner of this race will be in January. crowned the overall winner. The innovative form of track and field that Libor Varhanik, the European Athletics Council European Athletics has called Dynamic New Athletics Member responsible for the project was there to (DNA) sees teams competing across 10 events watch and said: “It was an honour to witness the focusing on the three key elements of athletics: landmark moment to test a new athletics format. I running, jumping and throwing. The events have feel like this weekend I saw the future of athletics been chosen based upon the research of European unfold in front of my eyes. It went incredibly well. Athletics to establish the most popular disciplines There is still lots of work ahead of us to refine the among fans and take place one by one over a two- concept but it is great to see we are on track.” hour period to ensure a fast-paced, interactive and The inventive concept, which is designed to easy-to-follow format. present a modernised version of the sport and The scoring system is simple with points ranging engage a new, youthful audience, will see the from 12 (for first place) to two (for sixth place). The increased use of technology to encourage the final event is a pursuit-style relay called 'The Hunt' interaction of fans in the stadium and those watching at home. At the test event the OpenTrack platform by ReportLab was used to collect and process all the results which were then published live on the dedicated website https://dna.run/, also powered by ReportLab. The Dynamic New Athletics format will be in operation in June next year at the 2019 European Games in Minsk, Belarus, after an agreement signed between European Athletics President Svein Arne Hansen and European Olympic Committees Acting President Janez Kocijancic in November. The EOC held a press conference in Zagreb to announce the inclusion of the short, compact and unpredictable new mixed gender team-based format, which will be used for the first time in international competition in Belarus. The press conference outlined the overarching concept of the format with NOCs and national federations informed they will receive specific details in the near future. The format for the 2019 European Games was finalised at the European Athletics Council Meeting in April ahead of the next test event which is being held in Minsk itself in July.

INSIDE TRACK | 15 EVENT ROUNDUP

LOOKING BACK

The first three months of 2018 saw outstanding successes for European athletes both indoors and out at this early stage in the competitive year.

The IAAF World Indoor Championships The following week, the action switched world-leading 92.70m. The stunning Birmingham 2018 in March were the focal to the outdoors and the Portuguese city distance has further significance because point for many of the continent’s top of Leiria played host to the first European it was the 11th best throw ever and no one athletes this winter and 11 gold medals Athletics major competition of the year, before has thrown this far so early in the were won by competitors from seven the European Throwing Cup. year. European nations. The Cup has acquired a very significant Other notable men’s winners in Leiria A further 10 Member Federations took place in the annual calendar of our sport included Sweden’s Daniel Stahl, whose home medals of either a silver of bronze and attracts the cream of Europe’s long first round 66.81m stood up as the top hue. The outstanding performance of throwers. mark in the discus while Poland’s Pawel the championships came from the Polish German javelin thrower Johannes Vetter Fajdek reached 77.30m in the hammer. 4x400m quartet of Karol Zalewski, Rafal showed why he was such a worthy 2017 Authorised Neutral Athlete Aleksandr Omelko, Lukasz Krawczuk and Jakub European Athlete of the Year when he Lesnoy, from Russia, won the shot put with Krzewina (pictured) who excelled and set a produced the top mark in Leiria. 21.32m, which was also a meeting record. world indoor record of 3:01.77. Vetter launched his implement out to a Anita Marton took very little time to “It is a big shock and surprise for us. meeting record of 88.28m in the relax after her Birmingham triumph and We were targeting the European record third round and then, two attempts had her first outdoor competition of the (which had been 3:02.87 by Belgium) but later, he reached a year in Leiria, and her ninth consecutive really did not expect a result like this and win, when she sent her shot never dreamed about the world record,” out to 19.12m. reflected Omelko. Anita Marton was another who went into new territory when winning in Birmingham, albeit in national rather than global terms. The Hungarian shot putter seized the lead with her third-round national indoor record of 19.48m and then, with the gold medal won, she extended it to a world-leading 19.62m with the last put of the contest. ’s win at 5.90m was the Frenchman’s third world indoor title, a tally matched by ’s Pavel Maslak in the 400m. Hosts Great Britain – who were the top European nation overall with seven medals in total – could also cheer wins by 60m hurdler Andrew Pozzi and Katarina Johnson-Thompson in the pentathlon.

16 | INSIDE TRACK The European Athletics Indoor and also provided plenty of excitement for her for a world indoor U20 record. Cross Country Permit Meetings provided domestic fans at the Serbian Open Indoor Following the eight European Athletics two important circuits and valuable Meeting when the two-time European Cross Country Permit Meetings during competition during the winter. indoor champion leapt to October and November last year, another This year there were 12 European 6.93m, a distance only she beat indoors four meetings were staged during January Athletics Indoor Permit Meetings staged by this winter when she went out to 6.96m to in Great Britain, the Netherlands, Italy and nine different Member Federations across win her first world title in Birmingham. Belgium. the length of breadth of Europe from The curtain came down on the indoor The Great Edinburgh XCountry saw Estonia to Serbia and Ireland to Turkey circuit in the French city of Clermont- a Team Europe representative squad and they produced a plethora of top Ferrand where the All Star Perche, compete in the now traditional annual performances that provided a prelude to organised by Lavillenie, saw a record fixture against Great Britain and the USA. the IAAF World Indoor Championships. seven vaulters clear 5.88m or better Turkey’s reigning two-time SPAR Shot putter Tomas Stanek captured the with the Frenchman himself clearing European cross country champion headlines on home territory at the Czech a world-leading 5.93m although had to work hard to hold Indoor Gala in Ostrava at the opening he had to settle for second place on off Great Britain’s Emelia Gorecka but Indoor Permit Meeting in January with countback. triumphed in the senior women’s 6km what was then a world-leading mark Sweden’s 2017 European U20 race. Team Europe won both the men’s of 21.61m. champion , still only and women’s team contests as well as the A few weeks later, Ivana Spanovic 18, was one of those who cleared 5.88m overall title.

INSIDE TRACK | 17 EVENT ROUNDUP

SPECTACULAR NIGHT OF THE 10,000M PBs ATTRACTS A MASS AUDIENCE A combination of sport and spectacle got the crowds out for the European 10,000m Cup.

The smile on the face of European Athletics President Svein Arne enough time to recover for the big event in August. Hansen told its own story suggesting he had seen the future and The women’s event followed the script as ’s pre-race welcomed it. Hansen was in London for the Night of the 10,000 favourite Lonah Chemtai Salpeter forged her way to victory in PBs which this year incorporated the European 10,000m Cup. a world-leading time and national record of 31:33.03. Chemtai The event has grown in recent years on the back of a concerted Salpeter had topped the European lists beforehand and the effort to push entertainment as well as achievement. The result 29-year-old led from start to finish for a notable victory. She now was nine hours of non-stop action and a packed crowd to watch heads to the Berlin 2018 European Athletics Championships it. The viewing areas were packed not just with runners and where she is planning to contest both the 5000m and 10,000m. coaches but with families there to watch the athletics and enjoy ’s former European U20 3000m steeplechase record the entertainment. They were joined by superstars from athletics holder Ancuta Bobocel was second in a huge lifetime best of and other sports with 2014 European 10,000m champion Jo 31:43.12, slashing more than half a minute off her previous best Pavey and teammate and marathoner Alyson Dixon answering ever time and leading Romania to the team title. questions and five-times snooker world champion Ronnie Great Britain’s Charlotte Arter ran brilliantly in the closing O’Sullivan signing autographs. stages - running the final kilometre one second faster than During the afternoon the sun shone brightly as school relay Salpeter - to draw away from the pack and secure third in races shared the limelight with a band of drummers a flypast 32:15.71, a PB by more than 20 seconds. from RAF Typhoon jets, street bike entertainers and fire jugglers. The men’s race delivered a brilliant finish which proved a In the evening the two main races, the men’s and women’s suitably dramatic finale to the evening. After 25 laps of blood, European 10,000m Cup A races, lived up to all expectations sweat and cheers, Germany’s Richard Ringer snatched victory in showing once more that this competition is so important to 27:36:52 his first time under 28 minutes. He described the race those with the big championships on their mind later in the year. as: “the best track race I have ever done. The energy was crazy!” It falls at the perfect moment in the calendar giving contenders Second place by just a quarter of a second went to Frenchman the chance to win a medal or just test their race sharpness with Mourad Amdouni who will be looking for revenge in Berlin.

18 | INSIDE TRACK STATE OF OUR SPORT

SECURING OUR FUTURE European Athletics CEO Christian Milz looks back on six months of making the continental governing body even more effective.

One key area of activity since the start of when I reiterate that social media will be in this event, we have demonstrated the year has been changing how European at the forefront of everything we do with since the start of the year how this is a Athletics manages projects. European Athletics communications in the sustainable new model for multisport We are very pleased to be able to future. events, with the emphasis on a host city say that European Athletics has made Berlin 2018 is obviously the current showcasing its existing sports facilities and considerable progress in adopting new focus of our attention, but I think we will accommodation options for athletes. processes and procedures for managing see the impact of our investment in social This makes staging the European major new projects or initiatives. media, both in terms of time, money and Championships in the future an attractive In simple terms, this process now personnel resources when we move into proposition which will offer outstanding includes a strategic briefing from whoever next year; notably before and during the value for a host city. initiates the project, an initial presentation Minsk 2019 European Games when we We believe that potential host cities for to the European Athletics Executive Board, will debut Dynamic New Athletics – DNA – the 2022 European Championships and a feasibility study from all key operational which is written about in detail elsewhere in beyond will be inspired by what they will elements, including the potential marketing this Inside Track. witness this summer in Berlin and Glasgow. of such a project, and then a deep and We are very proud to say, and I Christian Milz, CEO of European Athletics detailed presentation to the Board or commented as such to the European Council ahead of a decision about the final Athletics Council Meeting in April, that after implementation. considerable preparation, our I Run Clean We believe this will improve the project will come to life in Györ during the effectiveness of the implementation European Athletics U18 Championships. and delivery of such projects as well as It will be the first time in athletics history add more value to the project itself and that every athlete will have gone through a European Athletics as a whole. compulsory form of anti-doping education From a communications point of view, – and achieved a non-sporting qualification the last six months have seen us continue standard – in order to be able to compete the successful development of our digital at a major championship. and social media presence around our Extending our vision, as everyone knows, competitions making sure the focus of European Athletics has been one of the attention from the media and the public is instigators and initiators of the forthcoming on our phenomenal athletes. multisport European Championships which Above all, European Athletics is planning Berlin and Glasgow will co-host in the the biggest social media activation in its first two weeks of August. history around the Berlin 2018 European In conjunction with the other Athletics Championships. sports federations involved Social media was one of the success stories of European Athletics communications in 2017 with impressive increases across the majority of our analytics relating to users and their interaction with our platforms. It will come as no surprise to anyone RUNNING FOR ALL

CZECH AND BULGARIAN RUNNING INITIATIVES SUPPORTED Running for All certifies two new races that are part of a wider push to boost running.

RUNCZECH’S EUROHEROES INITIATIVE in the women’s race in 71:54, winning by a decisive With the backing of European Athletics, RunCzech margin from Ukraine’s Olha Kotovska in 76:16. launched the EuroHeroes initiative at the Mattoni “Until recently I could never have envisaged winning Karlovy Vary , a five-star road race such a race. It’s an amazing feeling,” said Vrabcova- certified by European Athletics Running for All in May. Nyvltova, who has represented Czech Republic at both The EuroHeroes initiative is designed to promote the Winter and Summer Olympics. the development of distance running in both Czech Vrabcova-Nyvltova described the victory as one of Republic and Europe more widely at an elite level. It is the most notable of her career and a timely boost to hoped that it will also inspire others to take up running her confidence ahead of the Berlin 2018 European and lead an active lifestyle, embodying the European Athletics Championships where she will contest the Athletics mission statement of Your Sport For Life. marathon. A Czech winner on home soil certainly RunCzech assembled exclusively European-only accomplishes one of the EuroHeroes’ project aims. line-ups for both the Karlovy Vary Half Marathon and “It has allowed me to fulfil a dream of mine and the Ceske Budejovice Half Marathon in June to give hear the Czech national anthem at a RunCzech race. the cream of the continent’s distance runners the I’m also aware that the world is still out there and spotlight and bridge the disconnect between runners it’s a huge source of inspiration for me to keep on at an elite level with non-elite runners and casual fans. improving,” she said. “All the RunCzech races are five-star road races In the men’s race, Ukraine’s Roman This page Eva Vrabcova-Nyvltova as awarded by European Athletics Running for All Romanenko won in 63:58 from becomes the first home platform, along with them also being IAAF Gold ’s Houssame Benabbou winner of a RunCzech Label Road Races, for which RunCzech should be very (64:16) with nine-time SPAR event since 2000 proud,” said European Athletics President Svein Arne Top Right Karlovy Vary Hansen. Half Marathon men's race winner Roman “It is very important that European athletes get Romanenko from more opportunities to race at the very top level Ukraine in road races across Europe and EuroHeroes is a Bottom Right President fantastic initiative to encourage and promote our road Hansen and First Vice President Dobromir race stars on the continent.” Karamarinov celebrate For the first time since 2000, there was a home with the winners of the winner in a RunCzech event in the Karlovy Vary Half Run Bulgaria relay. Marathon as Eva Vrabcova-Nyvltova raced to victory RUNNING FOR ALL

European Cross Country Championships winner Sergiy Lebid from Ukraine third in 65:08. This year’s Karlovy Vary Half Marathon saw almost 4000 runners taking part in the main race. The accompanying Family Run played host to over 2700 participants.

INAUGURAL RUN BULGARIA RELAY RACE European Athletics President Svein Arne Hansen and First Vice President Dobromir Karamarinov were handed the starter’s pistol to officially get the Run Bulgaria relay race (3x1786m) under way in Pazardzhik, Bulgaria in March. More than 300 runners took part in the race which is part of the new Run Bulgaria project – a running series aimed at participants of all abilities and managed under the auspices of the Bulgarian Athletic Federation in the context of the European Athletics’ Running for All programme. The project was co-created by Reneta Kamberova who won a bronze medal at the 2016 Olympics in rhythmic gymnastics and the new series has four main objectives: to give opportunities to people to participate in running events across Bulgaria, to promote a healthy lifestyle through running, to showcase the country’s towns and cities and to raise funds to develop grassroots sport in the country. At the end of the race, President Hansen awarded the prizes to the senior women who finished the 5358m run. “It was a great honour and pleasure to start the Run Bulgaria event with the First Vice President,” said Hansen, who also met with the country's Minister of Youth and Sport Violeta Maleva. “The importance of road running for the health and welfare of the general public cannot be understated. We were very impressed with the organisation of the event and it was clear to see that everyone from the runners to the spectators had a great time,” added Hansen. Inclusion is one of the integral themes of the Run Bulgaria project and a Kids Athletics competition featuring 50 children was also organised alongside the relay race. As Inside Track went to press, 626 events in 44 Member Federations play host to races which have been certified by European Athletics Running for All.

INSIDE TRACK | 21 KIDS ATHLETICS

BULGARIA STAGES KIDS ATHLETICS ACTIVATORS SEMINAR Lithuania’s two-time Olympic heptathlon The second day of the event moved Czech Republic, Denmark, Hungary and medallist Austra Skujyte was among the from the lecture hall to the sports hall the Netherlands, all of whom have Kids expert speakers for the 2018 European when participants were given the chance Athletics schemes currently in operation. Athletics Kids Athletics Activators Seminar to work with 48 local children, all under Kids Athletics is one of the pillars of hosted by the Bulgarian Athletics the age of 12. There were several sessions the European Athletics manifesto of Your Federation in Samokov. The seminar focused on traditional games and activities Sport for Life whose mission is to have a attracted 41 participants from 38 Member where the activators were shown how to life-long relationship with every European, Federations. involve children in a healthy lifestyle and through different and changing activities The meeting started with presentations given a practical demonstration of how in our sport. It forms the foundation on topics ranging from childhood best to improvise Kids Athletics activities of building a greater awareness and development through athletics, Kids with limited equipment. popularity of our sport and well as Athletics at primary schools and an The final day concentrated on the encouraging personal development, introduction to the IAAF Kids Athletics use and implementation of educational fitness and greater responsibility towards programme. cards with case studies from Belarus, the community and environment.

CZECH JAVELIN STAR SUPPORTS OSTRAVA'S CHILDREN

The project is linked with the IAAF world record-holder Spotakova. Continental Cup which will take place "I am surprised to see that the event in the city at the end of the season was so well supported," she said. from 8-9 September. There will be "All the participants were so representation from Team Europe in enthusiastic! Everyone is looking forward Ostrava where they will look to defend to September when IAAF Continental the crown they secured in Marrakech in Cup will be held," said Spotakova, who 2014. also took photos with the young athletes The main goal of 'Ostrava Supports and handed out autograph cards. Continents' is to get children involved The participants were also greeted in regular physical activity and engaged by four-time European 110m hurdles with the event itself. In total, 30 primary champion Colin Jackson who recorded a message for them. Jackson is a former World javelin champion Barbora schools and 27 secondary schools are world record-holder in the 110m hurdles taking part in the project which runs all Spotakova provided encouragement to and is the Team Europe ambassador. the way through until the Continental schoolchildren taking part in the 'Ostrava "I am looking forward to Ostrava a lot; Supports Continents' project. Some 300 Cup. I have raced there several times and I children from 19 elementary schools At the roadshow, the young know that the Ostrava audience loves from Ostrava as well as 200 students participants took part across three athletics so I am glad to be part of the from 10 secondary schools across the events: 60m run, medicine ball throw European team. The Continental Cup will Moravian-Silesian Region took part in and a standing long jump. They were be a great event and I enjoy being part the roadshow in March. also supported and encouraged by of it,” he said.

22 | INSIDE TRACK

YOUNG LEADERS

BERLINSPIRATIONAL The sixth edition of the Young Leaders Forum will be a life changing experience for European Athletics’ leaders of the future.

It is not just Europe’s athletes and athletics fans who will be forum, the Young Leaders will have the opportunity to immerse heading for Berlin this summer; European Athletics Young themselves in the messages of I Run Clean considering the values Leaders will also be there for the chance to learn, share and grow. and decision-making choices that lie behind the scheme and Following a tradition started in Gothenburg in 2006, the Young evaluating ways that the programme can be rolled out in practice. Leaders Forum will convene on the sidelines of the Berlin 2018 At the end of the session they will be asked to share their European Athletics Championships for four days of presentations, intentions and discuss what they will do next to make a personal workshops, team challenges and networking and the chance to difference and spread the message of clean sport. enjoy the sporting action in the stadium next door. In between the facilitated sessions will be the chance to Items on the agenda for this year range from leadership, consider healthy habits, well-being and personal mental health project management and the latest developments in athletics both for themselves and for those they come into contact with event formats, to inclusion and anti-doping following the I Run in sport and elsewhere. Not only will they receive guidance for Clean model. There will be plenty of time for both team and themselves but they will also gain the tools they need to take individual work and reflection in the expectation that the Young an inclusive approach to athletics activities which recognise the Leaders will return home better equipped to make a long-term different needs and abilities of participants. contribution to athletics in their countries. At the end of each day, the Young Leaders will join the crowds At a time when there is so much focus on presenting athletics in the Olympic Stadium for an evening of athletics action in dynamic ways for a new audience, the creativity of the Young representing the pinnacle of the sport. By focusing on the goals Leaders will be called upon and fed back to those organising and and the achievements of athletes the learning and reflections of communicating the programme of European Athletics events. the day are put into context. Not only will the Young Leaders gain new information, they will By the end of the European Athletics Championships the Young also put it into practice with practical sessions designed to help Leaders will have spent four intensive days together, taken on them create their own social media platforms and use digital board a huge amount of new information and drawn up their media to gain influence and promote the . own personal manifesto for the future. This will be taken back to The track record of European Athletics Young Leaders shows their home federations and work its way into action over many that they can be extremely effective in promoting the values of years as they take their places and contribute to the success of the sport and in the area of anti-doping in particular. At this year’s the sport in their countries and beyond.

INSIDE TRACK | 23 COMMUNICATIONS MANAGERS SEMINAR

GETTING THE MESSAGE OVER 58 communications experts from 38 Member Federations attended the three-day Communications Managers Seminar in Berlin.

Communications is a key part of Championships in Györ, Hungary in July. other members of the athlete’s entourage. spreading the positive message of change Unlike other digital anti-doping in athletics and sharing the excitement of programmes, I Run Clean was designed ALL EYES ON BERLIN AND GLASGOW some of the new developments the sport to be more than simply a quiz to test the Day two focused primarily on the 2018 is embracing. The European Athletics knowledge and retention of athletes. European Championships being held in Communications Managers Seminar Instead, I Run Clean was created to be as Glasgow and Berlin and the international welcomed a largely youthful group of 28 interactive as possible and attuned to the communication strategy for the event. men and 18 women who all played their individual values and preferences of each The European Championships will part in lively discussions and offered a athlete. aggregate the existing senior continental healthy variety of viewpoints. “The programme is designed for younger championships of Athletics (European A spirited exchange of views on ways demographics and we expect that some Athletics), Aquatics (LEN), Cycling (UEC), to raise awareness for I Run Clean, the 95 percent of all users will complete the Gymnastics (UEG), Rowing (FISA), unique anti-doping e-learning platform for programme via a mobile app,” said Bill Triathlon (ETU), with a new Golf Team athletes, got the seminar off to a positive Glad, European Athletics Head of the Championships (ET & LET) – all unified start. Launched in July 2017, I Run Clean is a President’s Cabinet. “The programme was under a common brand. Six sports will take crucial new tool in the fight against doping designed to be easy to use and understand, place in Glasgow, with athletics being held and an expression of European Athletics’ and allows athletes to create their own in Berlin. commitment to clean sport. ‘virtual selves’ as they navigate through the “For spectators and athletes alike, we Certification in the I Run Clean different real-world scenarios.” will deliver a new top sport event that programme will be mandatory for all I Run Clean is being targeted at elite brings a new dimension to sporting legacy,” athletes aiming to compete in European athletes first but the communications said Marc Jorg, European Championships Athletics events from 2020 onward. The challenge will increase with plans to expand Management Director and one of the rollout will begin this year with all athletes the programme in the future to include people credited with setting up the new participating at the European Athletics U18 grassroots athletes, coaches, parents and event.

24 | INSIDE TRACK COMMUNICATIONS MANAGERS SEMINAR

“By creating the grandest of stages on which to of New Business Development. “It is also modular crown the accomplishments of European champions, and can be easily adapted, so it can be held indoors, we aim to reach beyond the dedicated fan to a much outdoors, or even in more urban settings.” broader audience and create the most captivating Mixed-gender national teams will compete against event possible.” each other at the DNA competition in Minsk. There will One of the main goals of the new event is to raise be 10 events in total, including Track’Athlon, which will the profile of the seven sports involved. It is estimated see athletes participating in everything from running that by combining the European Championships of the with weights/parachutes to medicine ball runs and sports, a potential audience of 1 billion TV viewers can obstacle races. The entire competition will last no be reached. This compares to the approximately 322 longer than 120 minutes. million people the championships of the various sports Other DNA track events will include men’s and drew individually in 2014. women’s 100m, women’s 100m hurdles, men’s 110m Particular emphasis was placed on the hurdles and a mixed 4x400m. The three field events will communications strategies and media operations for be men’s , women’s javelin and women’s long Berlin 2018. Frank Kowalski, Berlin 2018 CEO, provided jump, all held in a head-to-head knockout format. The an overview of all the exciting projects being planned event will conclude with a mixed-distance pursuit relay inside and outside of the competition venues in Berlin known as 'The Hunt'. including the creation of a fan zone in the heart of In addition to the showpiece communications Berlin at the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, where projects, participants also took part in important all medals from the competitions will be presented to discussions on the communication and commercial the athletes each evening along with a wide range of strategies for running led by representatives from the entertainment options. International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), “We don’t want to be just another big sporting European Athletics and DLM (Deutsche Leichtathletik event,” said Berlin 2018 Communications Director Marketing). Claus Frömming, “We want Berlin 2018 to be a live There were interactive sessions and workshops led entertainment experience.” by LiveWire Sport's Andy McKenzie and Mike Lawrence showing how content can be generated and shared A NEW FORMAT content and best practices over a range of digital Top of the agenda for day three of the highly platforms, including Facebook, YouTube, Instagram successful Seminar was Dynamic New Athletics (DNA), and Snapchat. The session began with how to set and a revolutionary new athletics competition that will improve communications objectives, before moving make its official debut at the second edition of the on to content creation, engaging with your audience, European Games in Minsk, Belarus in 2019. The new algorithms and analytics. competition will feature a compact and unpredictable Over the three days there were also workshops on mixed-gender, team-based format, designed to present branding, new business development and Member Above left participants a more alternative, modernised version of athletics Federation communications on the development were engaged and ready and engage new and younger audiences and the programme. to offer their opinions communications experts spent time brainstorming The European Athletics Communications Managers Below European Athletics Vice President Jean Gracia ideas on how to promote it. Seminar 2018 followed the twice-yearly Strategic and First Vice President “It is 100 percent athletics but in a never-seen-before Communications Meeting chaired by First Vice Dobromir Karamarinov format,” said Marcel Wakim, European Athletics Head President Dobromir Karamarinov also in Berlin. led the group

INSIDE TRACK | 25 GREEN INSPIRATION

SHARING GREEN INSPIRATION WITH OTHER SPORTS

European Athletics has made a significant contribution to 'Playing for our Planet – How Sports Win From Being Sustainable', a new collection of sustainability and environmental best practices. The report, spearheaded by UEFA, WWF and the Green Sports Alliance (GSA), showcases the wide variety of green initiatives being undertaken by sports organisations, sponsors and policymakers. It aims to share innovative solutions that enhance the environmental and sustainable performance of sports. The many successful environmental initiatives undertaken by European Athletics under our Green Inspiration brand are outlined in the report. Some examples include event organisers HEALTH LEGACY TO BE PART protecting the environment, teaching good lifestyle habits, helping others get fit, physical OF BERLIN CHAMPIONSHIPS education and promoting awareness of sustainability issues. Run.Jump.Throw.Berlin will inspire Berliners to get active. European Athletics President The Berlin Senate Department of Interior European Mile at the Breitscheidplatz. Svein Arne Hansen welcomed and Sport has teamed up with the Berlin The second element of the programme the publication of the report and encouraged greater collaboration Athletics Association to promote an is called Schooletics and comprises a between all players in the sports innovative Berlin-wide sports programme school sports week in June during which movement. called Run.Jump.Throw.Berlin. The scheme Berlin pupils will enjoy and take part “We all have a responsibility is designed to encourage Berliners to in an unforgettable week of sports. to protect the environment and become more physically active both Participants will have the chance to pick up leave it in good shape for future during and after the European Athletics and throw a javelin for the first time and generations. Championships being held in the city this run in the grounds around the Olympic "To do so, we must not only act responsibly as individuals, summer. Stadium where the European Athletics but collectively as organisations The initiative, which takes a modern Championships will be staged. as well. And the more all players and innovative approach to the sport, is The final element is an online platform in the sports world commit to targeting people of all age groups and called Interactive Athletics which will create working together on these issues, backgrounds, including schoolchildren, a modern and barrier-free experience the greater the impact we can families, the elderly, people with disabilities on the topic of athletics in Berlin. On have. European Athletics stands as well as sports enthusiasts. the site, Berliners will be able to find out committed to sustainability and the The diverse programme has three more about track and field clubs in Berlin, environment, and we will continue to fight for more to be done in this components designed to inspire the local training offers, ways to take part in athletics area.” population. in the city and how to get involved. Urban Athletics will run from May to By integrating a public sports programme August and sees mobile athletics events with a major sports event, the local held at selected locations in the 12 city government intends to get the entire districts. Here Berliners will be able to population running, jumping and throwing experience athletics and compete in a along with the elite athletes and to Run.Jump.Throw competition under the showcase Berlin as an active, sport-loving name Urban Athletics KIEZ CUP. The finale city that is the perfect host for any elite will take place on the 11 August on the sporting event.

26 | INSIDE TRACK PRESIDENTIAL NEWS

ALL 51 MEMBER FEDERATIONS VISITED

2 In June, President Hanson fulfilled an election pledge to visit every one of European Athletics 51 Member Federations. Here are some destinations visited in the past six months. 1. DECEMBER, Budapest, celebrating the 120th Anniversary of the Hungarian Athletics Federation. 2. FEBRUARY, Riga, Latvia meeting with City Mayor Nils Usakovs and members of the Latvian Athletics Federation 3. MARCH, Leiria, Portugal observing the 4 2018 European Throwing Cup 4. MAY, Chisinau, Moldova reviewing the first competition on a new running track at the Dinamo Stadium 5. MAY, Tirana, Albania discussing athletics facilities with Mayor Erion Veliaj 6. JUNE, Malta with the local athletics federation and athletes preparing for the 3 Small States of Europe Championships 7. JUNE, Baku, Azerbaijan host of next 5 6 year's European Youth Olympic Festival, meeting with Sports Minister Azad Rahimov, Deputy Prime Minister Jagub Eyubov and federation officials 8. JUNE, Cyprus with members of the TA Olympia athletics club in Limassol

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RS-Ann-European Athletics Inside-210x297mm Oct17 EN.indd 1 07.11.17 13:25