Your Sport for Life

Newsletter of European Athletics 1 | 12 June INSIDE TRACK

Helsinki heralds new beginning Your Sport for Life Word from the President

Helsinki 2012:

IMPRESSUM European Athletics A fresh boost for Association Européenne d’Athlétisme

President: Hansjörg Wirz the sport in Europe Vice Presidents: Jose Luis de Carlos Karel Pilny Jean Gracia Hansjörg Wirz | President, European Athletics Director General: Christian Milz

Office: European Athletics has been working The Olympic-year European Athletics recognise the importance of this Avenue Louis-Ruchonnet 18 hard to strengthen the positioning of Championships will ensure that success. CH-1003 Lausanne Helsinki 2012 and future Olympic-year athletes on the continent will compete European Athletics Championships as more often in a flagship event during Let’s not forget, though, that many Phone +41 (0)21 313 43 50 Fax +41 (0)21 313 43 51 key to the international athletics and the peak of their careers. About 1,350 top athletes who have won world and [email protected] sporting calendar, and we will witness European athletes have competed Olympic titles have not won European www.european-athletics.org the outcome at the Olympic Stadium at recent editions of the European titles! from 27 June to 1 July. Athletics Championships, whereas we “Inside Track” is published by European Athletics have 500–600 fewer athletes compete at A biennial European Athletics A biennial European Athletics an Olympics or World Championships. Championships treats fans to more Co-ordination: Championships will provide athletes of the best European Athletics has to James Mulligan with a more regular stage on which to The European Athletics Championships offer. The two-year format will create Aditya Kumar European Athletics become top-level champions. Indeed, offers a chance for a bigger number more European champions, increase Communication Department we must ask the question: how many of athletes (1,350 in ) in the number of stars in the sport within Phone +41 (0)21 313 43 57 European medals are really “secure” comparison with a full season of 39 each country and find new stars more [email protected] for 2012? one-day meetings in Europe (in 2011 regularly. only 289 European athletes – out of the Text, Photos: James Mulligan, Aditya Many athletes need this high level of 3,396 athletes – participated in more Being a European champion means Kumar, Bill Glad, Phil Minshull, competition ahead of London 2012 than three meetings. And only 662 more than being a winner from a one- Hansjörg Wirz, Christian Milz, and future Olympics. A more regular participated in two to three meetings. day meeting, and keeps European Andy Heading, Picture Alliance top-level event improves athletes’ athletes at the forefront of attention Helsinki 2012 LOC, Zurich performances, whether it’s a physical The chance for success for athletes during an Olympic year. 2014 LOC effect such as how the championships is much higher, and all athletes want Design, Production: fit into training and competitive to become a Champion – world, We have had experiences when certain AMK Atelier für Marketing programmes or a mental impact by Olympic or European. It is obvious stars have not competed at European und Kommunikation giving an athlete more motivation or that there are 100 percent European Athletics Championships: Yuri Amstutzstrasse 14 CH-6010 Kriens, Switzerland an additional focal point. An aspiring medal winners at our continental Borzakovsky in Göteborg 2006 and Phone +41 (0)41 320 00 72 Olympic medallist must be extremely championships – compared to about Yelena Isinbayeva in Barcelona 2010 Fax +41 (0)41 320 00 79 strong mentally to choose not to 40 percent of European medal winners did not compete. Ultimately, it didn’t [email protected] compete and then see their rivals being at the Olympics. The public, television, matter. No one in the media spoke Print: successful at Helsinki 2012. media, institutions and governments about them once the event started. New Multicolor Print AG stars were created in their absence. CH-6340 Baar, Switzerland

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These new stars from Helsinki 2012 may among fans ahead of the Games. It will interested in hosting the championships. even replace those athletes not competing allow athletes to reach their maximum After Helsinki will be the Zurich 2014 and in Helsinki in the public’s thoughts and performance level in the lead up to the then 2016 championships. affection ahead of the London Games. Olympics. The U.S. Olympic trials see And , , have been linked athletes competing at the highest level six with bids for 2018 – all major cities. A European Athletics Championships weeks before London 2012 – and just look creates champions, inspirational at the success rate of American athletes For now, though, the focus is on Helsinki. moments, smiling faces, and as soon as at the Olympics. Why wouldn’t this work I hope you are looking forward to the the Championships start, any absent in Europe? event as much as I am. athletes will be forgotten. I am looking forward to the start of a As well as creating new stars, for younger format that will keep young people more athletes an additional European Athletics engaged and reinforce public interest Championships can act as a vital stepping more regularly. Thanks to the efforts of stone to world and Olympic level. the Local Organising Committee under the leadership of President and European 2 Word From the 16 EDUCATION An athlete competing at a European Athletics Council member Antti Pihlakoski President “Creativity and innovation” as Athletics U23 Championships in the and General Secretary Esa Honkalehto, Helsinki 2012: A fresh boost key theme at CEO Conference past would sometimes be exposed innovations to be introduced at Helsinki for the sport in Europe to the and World 2012 include mobile applications, shorter Focus on promoting Helsinki Championships before having the chance competition programmes and medal to compete at a European Athletics ceremonies held in the party atmosphere 4 HELSINKI 2012 2012 Championships. of the Event Square near the stadium. Helsinki set to put on a historic Championships 18 Young Leaders Helsinki 2012 will not only create new A consequence of the Olympic-year FORUM European champions, but also promises European Athletics Championships is 8 European Athletics Next generation of sports to be a spectacular curtain raiser for that it will create a stronger platform for Championships leaders converge on Helsinki! London 2012. It will capitalise on the commercial growth. The two-year format Ten great moments at increased interests in the Championships will allow European Athletics’ valued the European Athletics 20 coUNCIL during an Olympic year. The timing and International Partners SPAR, OMEGA, Championships Decisions from European location of the Olympics will ensure LE GRUYÈRE AOC and EUROVISION Athletics Council meeting in increased television audiences and to generate increased public awareness 10 HELSINKI Sofia heightened interest across Europe. It is a of their link with the sport. The success proven phenomenon that interest in major of the IAAF World Championships when The home of great athletics sporting events is a boost for events in the it moved onto a two-year cycle starting in 21 ZÜRICH 2014 build-up. 1993 has shown this. 12 HELSINKI 2012 Bracing up for an amazing ‘Appy’ – the 2012 European event with a long-term The Championships will act as a key The new format will also give Athletics Championships impact milestone in the narrative of athletics in broadcasters the chance to increase the application the lead up to the Olympic Games. It’s sport’s visibility. Broadcast intentions for 22 dIREctor General’s the biggest athletics event of 2012 ahead Helsinki 2012 as of 7 June stood near the 14 EBU State of the Sport of London 2012 with the broadest range 800-hour mark of live and delayed TV Helsinki 2012 is the perfect Heading into the home of European broadcasters, giving the coverage, extremely encouraging figures opportunity to discover new straight of Helsinki 2012 majority of Europe the chance to watch with three weeks to go. talent and stars before the the Championships live on television or Olympics 24 conVENTION through live streaming. After Helsinki 2012, a biennial European Athletics Championships means more Time to honour the Helsinki 2012 will be a barometer for the host cities will be encouraged to bid for best of European athletics public judging its athletes’ chances ahead the flagship event, and we have some of the Olympics, generating talking points exciting future cities confirmed as hosts or

INSIDE TRACK 1|12 Newsletter of European Athletics www.european-athletics.org 3 Your Sport for Life RUBIRKHELSINKI 2012

Helsinki set to put on a historic Championships Helsinki will go into the history books this summer as the first city to stage the European Athletics Championships for a third time, following the Finnish capital being the host in 1971 and 1994, writes Phil Minshull.

It is also as good as certain that many – then Lemaitre will join a very select band However, the 800 m promises to be a very athletes themselves will also write their of men who have won five gold medals competitive event and Borzakovskiy, a names into the annals of the sport in at the European Athletics Championships. noted fast finisher, could be challenged by Europe. two of the rising stars of European 800m Among the men, only the British 400m running: ’s Jakub Holusa One man who did so two years ago at runner Roger Black and the German 400m and ’s Kevin López, a pair of runners the last edition in Barcelona was the hurdler Harald Schmid have done so. who also possess an extra gear down the French sprinter Christophe Lemaitre, home straight. who won an unprecedented treble when One man who has yet to stand on top he was victorious in the 100m, 200m of the podium at a European Athletics ’s Carsten Schlangen won the and 4 x 100m relay; and his feats earned Championships, and has not even got a 1500m in Barcelona and him the accolade of the 2010 European medal in his specialist event, is ’s wants to go one better in Helsinki but Athlete of the Year. 2004 Olympic Games 800m champion ’s İlham Tanui Özbilen, the fastest Yuriy Borzakovskiy. European over 1500m indoors this winter This time around the young Frenchman and a silver medallist at the World Indoor from Annecy, who will still only have just Borzakovskiy has twice won the European Championships on home soil in in turned 22 when he gets to Helsinki, will Athletics Indoor Championships 800m title March, will also be bidding to become the concentrate on one and also the and, although he was part of the Russia’s first man from his country to win at the relay. 4 x 400m silver medal winning quartet in European Athletics Championships. 2002, in Helsinki he will be looking to fill in However, if he can take gold medals in one of the few gaps in the trophy cabinet At the time of writing, as of three weeks both events – and who would bet against it in his home just outside . before the first gun fires in the famous

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From left to right: Christophe Lemaitre (FRA), (GER), Barbora Spotakova (CZE), Olha Saladuha (UKR)

stadium that was the centrepiece of the Greek high jumper Dimítrios Chond­ 1952 Olympic Games, it is not known rokoúkis showed his competitive mettle who will be in the French and Spanish when he won at the World Indoor teams but these Mediterranean rivals also Championships and he hopes to bring a have a habit of producing outstanding bit of cheer to his country by adding to middle-distance men. his honours.

Great Britain’s became the first However, Russia has fantastic depth in this man to do the 5000m and 10,000m double event, last year it had four of the top five at the European Athletics Championships European jumpers and Aleksandr Shustov for 20 years when he strode to victory in is the defending continental champion, Barcelona. This summer’s Olympic Games and so whoever is in Helsinki and wearing are understandably the focal point this a Russian vest is sure to be a medal year for the current European Athlete of contender. the Year but Farah has suggested that running in Helsinki and defending at least French star Renaud Lavillenie, the one of his titles is a distinct possibility. current European champion both indoor and outdoors, like Chondrokoúkis also In the likely event that Farah decides not won at the World Indoor Championships to tackle the longer event, his successor and his outdoor form already this summer might be ’s Daniele Meucci or Spain’s has shown he will be difficult to dethrone. Ayad Lamdassem, third and fourth in Barcelona, who have both voiced and However, just like Russia in the , demonstrated their desire to get their first Germany can boast of a fantastic depth continental title. of talent in this event – including the

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2012 World Indoor Championships silver medallist Björn Otto – and potentially could even sweep the medals if Lavillenie has an off day.

The throws are also a traditional German strength. Shot putter David Storl and discus exponent Robert Harting have both said that they plan to prove they are the best in Europe after winning world titles in the South Korean city of last summer.

Storl, the 2011 European Athletics Rising Star of the Year, will be chasing a unique accolade in Helsinki in addition to the .

If he wins, the heavy-metal loving police academy student from Chemnitz will become the first man to have won at all age-levels in world and European competitions.

On the women’s side, many of the track events look very open and it will be a big surprise if more than a couple of the Barcelona champions manage to defend their titles as the landscape in these events has changed quite a lot in the last two years.

Bulgarian sprinter Ivet Lalova will be going for the 100m and 200m double in Helsinki and has suggested over the last 12 months that she has the credentials to achieve her ambition.

Lalova was the only European sprinter to make the IAAF World Championships 100m final last summer and she was also the fastest European over the distance with a time of 10.96, her best time since she ran 10.77 in 2004 and which remains the second fastest performance by a European ever.

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It has been a long, long, road back to the Saladuha finished May as the top European top for the personable and charismatic by a respectable margin and there could Lalova, who suffered a traumatic and freak be two jumpers on the podium as accident, breaking a femur after colliding she is likely to be accompanied to Helsinki with another athlete, while warming up by her compatriot Ruslana Tsykhotska, before a meeting in in June 2005. who has made great steps forward in the last 12 months. Lalova’s toughest rivals could be the Ukraine pair of and The throws as always will be a , the latter being most likely showcase for Europe’s best female to concentrate on just the 100m, who talent. finished out of the individual medals Belarus shot putter Nadezhda Ostapchuk, in Barcelona but who have also been in Croatia’s discus thrower Sandra Perkovic excellent form so far this year. and Germany’s hammer world record holder Betty Heidler will all be bidding to Ukraine won the women’s 4 x100 m relay defend the titles they won in 2010. in impressive fashion in 2010 and they continue to be the team to beat in Europe The discus could be particularly enthralling while Russia, the women’s 4x400m as Perkovic will face Germany’s 2011 winners at the last three European World Championships silver medallist Athletics Championships, will be the clear Nadine Müller. favourites for the longer relay regardless of the make-up of their quartet due to However, the javelin might even trump their phenomenal depth in the event. all the other throws if the World Championships final from last summer Another runner to make a big early can be reprised. season impression was the Russian 400m hurdler , who ran a world- Czech Republic’s 2008 Olympic Games leading 400m hurdles time of 53.87 in javelin champion and world record holder Sochi at the end of May, for a massive Barbora Špotáková and Russia’s Mariya improvement on her previous best. Abakumova fought a marvellous duel which eventually saw the latter prevail but Davydova will be looking to follow in the both women went over 70 with footsteps of her compatriots, the 2006 some of the longest efforts ever seen. and 2010 winners and . Add Germany’s former European record holder Christina Obergföll into the mix In the distance events, Ireland’s Fionnuala and you have the recipe for potentially Britton has already tasted European glory one of the great javelin competitions of all when she won at the SPAR European time in Helsinki. Cross Country Championships last December and she will try to emulate that Needless to say – with Finnish athletics achievement over 10,000 m after making fans renowned around the world for their an impressive debut over 25 laps of the love of javelin throwing – Špotáková, track in April. Abakumova and Obergföll will get plenty of support but Helsinki is famous for its If the track events are unlikely to see appreciation of the entire spectrum of many defending champions triumph, one the sport and competitors in all 42 events woman who might reverse that trend in should get cheered to the rafters of the the field events is Ukrainian triple jumper famous Olympic Stadium. Olha Saladuha, who went on to win at the World Championships last summer, a year after her title in Barcelona.

INSIDE TRACK 1|12 Newsletter of European Athletics www.european-athletics.org 7 Your Sport for Life RUBIRKEuropean Athletics Championships Ten great moments at the European Athletics

Championships 2002 Robert Korzeniowski (POL) Any selection of 10 great moments in the history of a championship, especially one with an illustrious 78-year history like the European Athletics Championships, is a subjective affair.

I think there will be broad agreement on some of the feats listed below but, The Italian, running in inevitably, many people will feel that other lane four, equalled the stunning achievements should have been 400m hurdles world included instead of the ones I’ve chosen. record of 49.2 at the 1962 Championships, one of three world records set Space and a certain numerical symmetry in 50 years ago. only permit me to list 10 ‘Great Moments’. He won by more than a However, I hope that this list stimulates second from the silver some interesting debates among athletics medallist, Germany’s fans, whether you will be in Helsinki’s Jörg Neumann, and took Olympic Stadium or in front of your TV half-a-second off his own screen at home. European record set the year before. Phil Minshull

At the 1954 Championships in Berne, the Soviet Salvatore Morale (ITA) runner demonstrated that the legendary Emilm 1962 Zatopek was human after all. In the 5000 final, Kuts went straight into the lead and blazed through the first kilometre in a brutal 2:44.0, a pace which no one dared follow. He carried on to win in a world record 13:56.6 to leave Britain’s Chris Chataway and Zatopek trailing in his wake, almost in arrears. 1954 Vladimir Kuts (RUS)

The 32-year-old Flying Housewife was the undoubted star of the 1950 Championships in Brussels, winning firstly the 100m, then the 80m hurdles and finally the 200m before anchoring the to the silver medal in the 4x100m relay. She is still the only person to win three individual gold medals at a single European Athletics Championships.

1969 Nicole Duclos (FRA) and Collette Besson (FRA)

1950 Fanny Blankers-Koen (NED) 8 www.european-athletics.org Newsletter of European Athletics 1|12 INSIDE TRACK European Athletics ChampioRnsubrikhips e e Lif Lif or or f f t t Spor Spor our our Y Y

The high jump heroine of the Olympics Arguably the a decade earlier greatest walker returned to the top of ever, Korzeniowski the podium at a major produced a 50 km championships in 1982 world record of with a world record 3:36:39 around the of 2.02 m, adding streets of Munich a centimetre to the in 2002, beating standard set by Italy’s the former mark by in almost a minute. four years earlier. 2002 Robert Korzeniowski (POL) The bespectacled Finnish javelin thrower produced a world record of 76.66m at the inaugural European 1982 Ulrike Meyfarth (FRG) Athletics Championships in 1934, which were held in the Italian city of Torino. Curiously, when weighed, his javelin was actually 20 grammes heavier than the usual 800gm implement. 1934 Matti Järvinen (FIN)

The East German was the The British multi- first runner to go under 49 events exponent was seconds for 400m when she expected to have a clocked 48.94 m at the 1978 close battle in the Championships in Prague, 1982 winning from her compatriot in Athens with his Christina Brehmer by the German rival Jürgen massive margin of more than a Hingsen but, instead, second. Koch was to set another the 1980 Olympic 400 m world record at the champion won by Championships four years later in more than 200 points Athens when she ran 48.16. Salvatore Morale (ITA) in a world record tally 1962 of 8743 points

1978 Martia Koch (GDR) 1980 (GBR)

The French pair, joint European record holders at 52.0, had a terrific The Soviet hammer thrower battle over one lap of the track at reached the phenomenal the 1969 Championships in Athens. distance of 86.74 m at the 1986 Besson started the quicker and was Championships in , a clearly in the lead coming into the world record which still stands home straight but Duclos clawed at the time of writing. Four of back the advantage and edged in his other five throws also went front in the final 10 metres. over 85 metres and he beat After a 20 minute delay, Duclos got his compatriot and rival Sergey the verdict but both women were Litvinov by exactly a . given a share of the world record of 51.7, although electronic timing showed that Duclos had clocked 51.77 to Besson’s 51.79. 1969 Nicole Duclos (FRA) and Collette Besson (FRA)

1986 Yuriy Sedykh (RUS)

INSIDE TRACK 1|12 Newsletter of European Athletics www.european-athletics.org 9 Your Sport for Life HELSINKI The home of great athletics

The Finnish capital has staged five memorable major athletics championships in the past. Here are a few of the highlights from those events, mainly from a European perspective, which will certainly be recalled at this summer’s European Athletics Championships as a 1952 1971 1983

1952 Olympic Games 1971 The star of these Games was, without European Athletics Championships 1983 doubt, the Czech distance legend Emil IAAF World Championships Zatopek. He ran away with the 10,000 m, No fewer than 27 championship records used his superb turn of speed to sprint to were set and three world records were The inaugural World Championships were victory in the 5000 m and then notched broken. ’s Karin Krebs- a great success and set the standard for up a unique treble when he won the Burneliet won the 1500m with 4:09.62, those that followed. with ease on his debut over the Soviet discus thrower Faina Melnik sent classic distance. In addition to Zatopek’s her implement out to 64.22 m and the East Germany were the dominant nation feats, Europeans really shone in the throws East German women’s 4 x 400 m quartet with 10 gold medals and 22 overall but, and the walks. Zatopek’s wife, Dana, won ran 3:29.28. perhaps, the star of the show was Carl the javelin title while Hungarian hammer Lewis, who won the 100 m and thrower Jozsef Csermak set a world In addition, in a Championship where as well as anchoring the United States’ record of 60.34 m. superlatives seemed the norm, two 4 x100 m relay team to the gold medals European records were set. East Germany’s and also a world record. There was also the Olympic debut Hartmut Briesenick won the with of the with shot putter 21.08 m while ’s 4x100m Czech runner Jarmila Kratochvilova set the Galina Zybina and discus thrower Nina team sped to a time of 43.28. only other world record there, becoming Romaskova winning gold medals, the the first woman to break 48 seconds over former in a world record of 15.28 m. Other impressive performances came in one lap of the track when she won the ’s John Mikaelsson, the 1946 and the sprints. Soviet Union’s Valeriy Borzov 400 m in 47.99. For good measure, she 1950 European Athletics Championships and East Germany’s also won the 800 m in 1:54.68 and both 10,000 m walk gold medallist, got his achieved 100m and 200m doubles while marks still stand as championship records. second Olympic title on the track while ’s Juha Väätäinen thrilled the home A teenage also won the Italy’s Giuseppe Dordoni triumphed on the crowd by taking gold medals over both first of his six consecutive titles in the pole roads in the 50km walk. the 5000 m and 10,000 m. vault.

10 www.european-athletics.org Newsletter of European Athletics 1|12 INSIDE TRACK HELSINKI e Lif or f t Spor our Y The home of great athletics

The Finnish capital has staged five memorable major athletics championships in the past. contemporary generation of athletes strive to follow in the footsteps of those who went Here are a few of the highlights from those events, mainly from a European perspective, before them. which will certainly be recalled at this summer’s European Athletics Championships as a 1983 1994 2005

1994 European Athletics Championships

Europe’s map had changed dramatically 2005 since the previous edition with the Soviet IAAF World Championships Union, Yugoslavia and Czechoslovakia breaking up and Germany becoming Three world records provided the unified. highlights of this event, the athletes rising to the occasion despite severe wind and Russia took home 24 medals, almost rain on several days. twice as many as its nearest rivals Great Britain, and got 10 victories, two of them Yelena Isinbayeva continued her reign coming from their sprinter , as the queen of the pole vault, clearing who won the 100 m and 200 m. German 5.01m. Her compatriot Olimpiada Ivanova long jumper won her third crossed the line in the 20 km walk in consecutive title, triumphing in the same 1:25.41 and Cuba’s Osleidys Menendez stadium that she had won a world title 13 added 16 centimetres to her javelin record years ago. with a throw of 71.73 m.

Spain’s Fermin Cacho added to his European athletes won 19 events and memorable Olympic gold on home soil everyone was delighted to see Britain’s in Barcelona two years ago by adding the marathon world record holder Paula European 1500 m title to his collection in Radcliffe win over the classic distance a championship record 3:35.27. just a year after her Olympic meltdown. Ukraine high jumper Yuriy Krymarenko Local fans had something to cheer as and Dutch pole vaulter Rens Blom caused well as Sari Essayah won the 10 km walk two of the biggest surprises in World for the host’s one gold medal of the Championships history by coming out on Championships. top of their events.

INSIDE TRACK 1|12 Newsletter of European Athletics www.european-athletics.org 11 Your Sport for Life RUBIRKHELSINKI 2012 ‘Appy’ – the 2012 European Athletics Championships application

Helsinki 2012 have unveiled their app for this summer’s European Athletics Championships. In cooperation with Fonecta, the app, named ‘Appy’ like the event mascot, was released for download.

With the release of ‘Appy’ comes the ‘Appy’ is designed not only for the start of a new European Athletics competition visitors, but also TV viewers. Championships experience. This data allows you to be an expert of The app will provide live competition the games from afar,” said Helsinki 2012 results, along with athlete profiles and general secretary Esa Honkalehto. the latest event news. In addition to all these functions, daily competitions will be The application can also help you find posted for you to enter along with race local taxi numbers, and can even help you day pictures and local information. ‘Appy’ locate the closest restaurants. In addition will bring a whole new experience for to this, Appy also provides direct links to those wanting to stay up to date with the the European Athletics Championships’ European Athletics Championships this official partners. year.

Appy is ready to go European Athletics If you are looking for information on the European Athletics Championships, iPhone & Android then you will be happy to hear that the application is available to download now. Download from Google Play app ‘Appy’ promises to keep you up to date with current news and official partner The official European offers directly to your smartphone. Athletics iPhone and The application is a free service. It can Android app is also be downloaded to your iPhone (App available to download. store), android phone (Google Play) and Window7 phone (Market place). The The free app brings you all the news, service can also be used with phones results, calendar information and that have access to the internet at season lists from the continent. Athlete m.helsinki2012.fi. The application is biographies, video interviews, photo galleries, and more are also featured in offered in both Finnish and English. the application. During the European Athletics Champion­ Updates coming in the future include a ships you can find Appy assistants live results service for major European throughout the Helsinki Olympic Stadium Athletics events. who can provide you with any guidance if required. The iPhone app can be downloaded here Download from itunes

The Android app can be downloaded here

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European Athletics Championships to offer rich multimedia experience

The 21st European Athletics Championships, to be held between 27 June and 1 July in Helsinki, is poised to offer an experience that athletics fans will fondly remember for years to come. The historic Olympic Stadium that hosted the 2005 IAAF World Championships in Athletics is ready to host the best athletes from across Europe.

Special care has been taken to ensure that every spectator, whether in the stadium or following the event on TV or online, experiences every bit of the action as it unfolds. A webpage dedicated to Helsinki 2012 has been launched on our website www.european-athletics.org.

The coverage will include daily reports, event-by-event Live stream of Helsinki 2012 updates, special features on the gold medal winners, live European Athletics Championships results, photo gallery and much more. Videos, photos, news articles and more will be posted to the new European Athletics Championships Facebook fan European Athletics will stream live the Helsinki 2012 page (facebook.com/EuropeanAthleticsChampionships) and European Athletics Championships with English-language dedicated Twitter feed @Euro_Champs (www.twitter.com/ commentary. Euro_Champs) throughout the championships.

Athletics fans around the world will be able to click through to the live stream link from the European Athletics website homepage and watch the championships live in their entirety. At European Athletics we understand the value supporters Fans will be able to instantly rewind the action and watch video on demand of an bring to our sport. As the governing body of athletics on event just a few minutes after it has finished. the continent, it is our priority to facilitate this symbiotic relationship of athletes and fans. For an athlete there is English commentary will add colour to the live action throughout the 27 June to no bigger motivation than thousands of cheering fans in a 1 July event. stadium, and for a fan there is no better sight than seeing his or her favourite star in action. The live stream page is scheduled to be opened on 20 June. We hope that athletics supporters will enjoy the European Athletes’ post-competition interviews will be uploaded to the Athletics Championships. Once again, we look forward to European Athletics YouTube site (www. your valued feedback. youtube.com/europeanathletics) throughout the championships.

INSIDE TRACK 1|12 Newsletter of European Athletics www.european-athletics.org 13 Your Sport for Life EBU Helsinki 2012 is the perfect opportunity to discover new talent and stars before the Olympics

European Athletics spoke with the European Broadcasting Union’s Head of Sports and Business Stefan Kuerten regarding the pan-European broadcasters’ plans for the European Athletics Championships in Helsinki and other major events in a packed season of sport.

How would you describe EBU’s Can you give your reflections on this? association with the ? As I said, both the EBU and the sport The sport of athletics has always been a of athletics benefit from this mutual strong asset for the EBU. Since 1976, the cooperation. Since 1981, this has enabled EBU has been working hand in hand with European Athletics and the EBU to build the athletics world to bring the positive a strong, symbiotic partnership. It builds values of the sport to a broader European on assets both organisations can share to audience. By serving the public service further develop their own mission. It is a broadcasters, the EBU sees in the sport win-win situation for everyone; it is a very of athletics fantastic opportunities to positive partnership for us. bring the mission of public service media together with the values of athletics in a The 2012 European Athletics constructive association for both worlds. Championships is a watershed event for athletics in Europe. How is the EBU The European Broadcasting Union and its partners preparing to present has been the broadcast partner of the showpiece to the global television European Athletics since 1981. The audience? outstanding collaboration between This is the first time the Championships both organisations has helped fuel the will be held in an Olympic year with a growth of the sport on the continent. new format, including only 5 days of competition. The EBU is already heavily involved in the Championships, acting as Host Broadcaster with the support of our Finnish member YLE. This also represents a new step forward for the EBU. Everyone Stefan Kuerten is working to present the best possible Championships.

2012 is a very busy year for the EBU, with 2012 Olympics Games taking place the UEFA EURO 2012 and the London in a span of six weeks. How do you Olympic Games. However, broadcasters think the sport can benefit from this have recorded strong intentions with extended focus? no less than 700 hours live. This is the The audience will have more time and perfect opportunity for our Members to opportunity to familiarise themselves build some interest and stories before with the stars and talents of the sport. the Olympics. It is also an opportunity for This extended focus on athletics is an the audience to discover new European opportunity to create better and more talent and stars before the Olympics developed stories, to educate the start. Through our Members, European audience and encourage them to love Athletics will benefit from uniquely the sport of athletics. Every effort is made extensive exposure. internationally to bring young people into the athletics fold, but 2012 could It’s an important year for athletics really take the sport to the next level. This with both the European Athletics unprecedented visibility for athletics could Championships and the London be decisive.

14 www.european-athletics.org Newsletter of European Athletics 1|12 INSIDE TRACK EBU e Lif or f t Spor our Y

How has the production of athletics events evolved over the years? What are the new things that our audiences European Athletics- can expect in the major sports events this year? EBU agrees media rights Quite simply, high definition coverage will deliver astonishing images of the Championships. With the evolution of partnership for outside production technologies, the live action will be more visible and more real than Europe ever before. For the audience, it means a better, more engaging experience of the European Athletics is pleased to announce it has agreed a contract with the Championships with full immersion in the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) for the sale of media rights for the rest competition and the range of emotions of the world (outside Europe) for the period 2012–2015. associated with it. The new partnership means EBU will be the exclusive In a recent article published in Sportcal worldwide media partner for European Athletics, following magazine, you have spoken about the renewal in December 2010 of their long-running contract selling some ancillary rights in certain covering Europe through 2012–2015. That agreement territories to the pay-television sector, extended a partnership that has been in place since 1981. who have traditionally been the rivals of EBU members, for Helsinki 2012. The new commitment for television and internet media rights How has the uptake been and going outside of Europe will cover all of European Athletics’ major forward what kind of impact it will events including the Helsinki 2012 and Zurich 2014 European have on the right-owners and right- Athletics Championships, the Göteborg 2013 European holders? Athletics Indoor Championships and Prague 2015 European We wanted to offer more flexibility to the Athletics Indoor Championships. Federations. We also wanted to be able to find a partner in given regions where The agreement also covers the 2013, 2014, 2015 European Athletics Team one of our Members wasn’t interested in Championships and the yearly European Cross Country Championships a property. It is part of a new strategy that taking place during the four-year contract period. is designed to make the EBU more flexible in serving rights owners. For Helsinki, European Athletics President Hansjörg Wirz said, “I am very pleased that we are adding partners outside Europe. we have reached an agreement with EBU to be responsible for the sale of For the first time, we are working with our championship programme outside Europe. With the sales expertise of broadcasters all over the world, reaching EBU this agreement gives us a fantastic platform to promote our sport on a global audience. Overall this is a great media platforms throughout the world, which is an extremely important development for the EBU, and one that consideration for us.” has drawn a positive response from all quarters. Stefan Kürten, EBU Director of Sports & Business, said, “This agreement demonstrates our commitment to the sport of athletics, and we will work hard to reach the largest audience possible worldwide – an audience the sport deserves.”

European Athletics and EBU come to an agreement following impressive Stefan Kuerten viewing figures for the Barcelona 2010 European Athletics Championships. The cumulative audience (excluding news audiences) worldwide was 368 million for the six-day event compared to the 340 million who watched the seven-day championships in 2006.

Christian Milz, Director General of European Athletics, said, “These fantastic figures show a huge interest in our main events, and we believe this bodes well for a future working together with EBU. We will now be able to optimise the importance of our sport not only within Europe but also worldwide and we see a lot of synergies in this additional partnership.”

Julien Ternisien, EBU Head of Sports Rights – Summer Sports, said, “This contract provides European Athletics with a strong and reliable partner that will showcase an attractive championship programme to broadcasters around the world, with the aim of increasing audiences in key athletics markets outside of Europe.”

INSIDE TRACK 1|12 Newsletter of European Athletics www.european-athletics.org 15 Your Sport for Life EDUCATION “Creativity and innovation” as key theme at CEO Conference

European Athletics President Hansjörg Wirz has called on the continent’s athletics leaders to embrace creativity and innovation in order to make the sport financially sustainable and self-reliant.

President Wirz was addressing Following the key note address in which programme that has opened fresh concerns that cuts in government and IAAF Council member Prof Helmut Digel revenue streams for the federation. public authority support are putting gave examined the different models for • Czech Athletics Federation President athletics federations under increasing financing the sport in Europe, as series of Libor Varhanik’s presentation centred financial pressure during the biennial practical case studies were presented: on innovative ways to capitalise on elite European Athletics Chief Executive athletes and events at a national level. Officers Conference, entitled “Stability, • Frank Lebert from DLP, the exclusive • Kjetil Hildeskor from the Norwegian Independence, Growth – Optimising marketing agency for the German athletics federation talked about his Member Federation Finances in Athletics Federation (DLV), made country’s TINE Relays, which regularly Challenging Times,” which attracted 82 a presentation on marketing and attract more than 90,000 participants participants from 47 Member Federations promotion for a Member Federation each year. to Neusiedl am See, , 20–22 April. • Hans Peter Edelblut from DLV sponsor • Torben Dan Pedersen, a board member Nestle Waters explained the meaning of the Danish athletics federation “This is a critical time for our sport,” he of sports sponsorship from his spoke about his federation’s strategy said. “Even though our countries face organisation’s point of view. to increase its revenue and social different challenges, we in our sport have • Helsinki 2012 General Secretary Esa relevance through health & fitness and one common goal – the success and long- Honkalehto explained how the 2012 mass participation events and become term sustainability of athletics in Europe.” European Athletics Championships the national authority in these areas. “The aim of the conference is to exchange managed to exceed its sponsorship ideas about new possibilities for income. targets in difficult economic conditions. Following the case studies, the participants Now it is up to each federation to go • Ruud Kok of the Royal Dutch Athletics were able to attend workshops where they out and implement these ideas in their Federation gave an overview of could speak with the presenters about the countries.” the Netherland’s mass participation details of their programmes and how they might be adapted in different countries.

The conference concluded with a panel discussion featuring President Wirz, Prof. Digel, Mr Lebert and European Athletics Vice-President and Development Committee Chairman Jean Gracia. Gracia reinforced President Wirz’s sentiments by encouraging Member Federations to create and capitalise on products and services that are of value to the general public and to the sport’s stakeholders.

“Our Member Federations offer high- quality services that are of value to people and society and we should not be afraid to price these services for what they are really worth. The ultimate goal is to contribute to the long-term sustainability of the federation and to the sport of athletics,” said Gracia.

Lebert added that “the environment within which sports organisations operate is evolving and we are being forced to innovate and be creative with our products and services. Forward-thinking sports organisations don’t just sell a product, but create a product that sells.”

16 www.european-athletics.org Newsletter of European Athletics 1|12 INSIDE TRACK EDUCATION e Lif or f t Spor our Y

Member Federation communication managers and staff and European Focus on promoting Athletics staff come together for a photo during the seminar in Geneva, Helsinki 2012 Switzerland.

Communication managers from 47 Member Federations discussed ways to ensure that 2012 European Athletics Championships in Helsinki generate maximum interest and support across the continent during the 3rd European Athletics Communication Seminar, which was held in Geneva, Switzerland, 29–30 March.

The main aim of the seminar, which was A question and answer session followed a clear indicator that no stone will be organised by the European Athletics between the presenters, European left unturned in making Helsinki 2012 Communication Department, was to Athletics Communication Manager James the most successful European Athletics plan how to communicate the message Mulligan and the seminar participants. Championships ever.” that the Championships are a key to the international athletics calendar. A After dividing into smaller groups for The afternoon of the seminar’s second second goal was to create a stronger workshops, the participants developed day featured an examination of European network between the communications ideas for promoting the championships Athletics’ twin-pillar strategy for departments at European Athletics and in their own countries and at a pan- development, the progress made so far each Member Federation, and ways they European level, including positioning it and future initiatives. can work together and support each as a stepping stone for the 2012 London other. Olympic Games and for future Olympics After an overview given by Development and World Championships for athletes. Manager Bill Glad, the participants again The opening day consisted of presentations broke out into workshops groups in which from European Athletics Director General “The seminar clearly brought out the they developed ideas for promoting the Christian Milz, Helsinki 2012 CEO Esa fact that the success of Helsinki 2012 Athletics Community initiative (www. Honkalehto, and Jon Tibbs of Jon Tibbs is a shared goal for European Athletics athleticscomunity.org) through projects, Associates, a leading strategic brand Member Federations,” said Mr Milz. awards systems and the integration of building consultancy that works closely social media channels into the community with European Athletics. “The enthusiastic participation website. and valuable contribution of the representatives from our federations was

INSIDE TRACK 1|12 Newsletter of European Athletics www.european-athletics.org 17 Your Sport for Life YOUNG LEADERS FORUM

Next generation of sports leaders converge on Helsinki

European Athletics and UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) are teaming Pole vault legend up again to develop the next generation of leaders in the sport and IAAF vice president Sergey of athletics by staging a Young Leaders Forum for up to 100 Bubka addressing the forum in participants from 25 to 28 June in conjunction with the 21st Barcelona. European Athletics Championships.

Each European Athletics Member rest of the activities will take place in The Forum programme will be divided Federation has been invited to send a the idyllic lakeside surroundings of the between plenary sessions and discussion participant between the ages of 18 and Kisakallio Sports Institute, just outside the workshops. The plenary sessions will 26 and many federations have decided to city. feature guest speakers addressing key send additional participants at their own issues in the sport, such as athletics in expense. After the daily working sessions, the schools, event organisation, disabled participants will be transported into the sport and sustainability. The Forum, which is also supported centre of the city to attend the Opening by the Helsinki 2012 Local Organising Ceremony and the first two evening In the workshops, the participants will Committee, will open with a VIP reception sessions of the Championships, where exchange views on the issues and discuss at the headquarters of the Championships’ they will be accredited to sit in the Team how to turn their own ideas into practical Host Broadcaster YLE in Helsinki and the Tribune alongside the event’s competitors. projects that benefit the sport and help

Participants from across the continent during the European Athletics Young Leaders Forum in Barcelona.

18 www.european-athletics.org Newsletter of European Athletics 1|12 INSIDE TRACK AWARDS e Lif or f t Spor our Y

Record entries received for Innovation Awards

A record 46 entries from 21 countries were received by the 31 May deadline for the 2012 European Athletics Innovation Awards.

Prizes will be awarded in the following members will be Dr Scott Drawer (GBR), categories: Promotion, Technology, Dr. Harald Müller (GER), Dr Claude Stricker Coaching, Sustainability and Open. There (SUI), Dr Wolfgang Ritzdorf (GER) and Dr is a CHF 20,000 prize fund of which Jikta Vinduskova (CZE). CHF 10,000 will go to the overall winner selected from the category winners. Category winners will be announced in early September and the overall winner The expert panel judging the awards will will receive his/her prize at this year’s be led by European Athletics Council European Athletics Awards Night in Malta Member Dr Sylvia Balag (NED). The other on 13 October. them develop their skills, contacts and experience.

The participants are all members of the European Athletics Young Leaders Community (www.athleticscomunity. org) and many have already uploaded information about local projects they have delivered. It is hoped that when they return home they will inspire Nominations for their friends and colleagues to join the community and work on their own projects. Coaching Awards

Prior to arrival in Helsinki, each of the participants will have prepared a Certificates for the winners of the European Athletics Coaching multi-media presentation, which will Awards in 2010 and 2011 have been distributed to their national be exhibited during the Forum. All federations and most have been presented in local ceremonies. the participants will vote on the best display and prizes will be awarded. Those coaches whose athletes become The Forum is a follow-up to successful European champions in Helsinki will be forums staged with UNESCO’s eligible for the award and the respective support during the European Athletics federations will be contacted for Championships in (2006) confirmation and Barcelona (2010). Federations will also be asked to nominate In 2011 European Athletics and one male and one female coach against UNESCO renewed their partnership, the criteria “excellence in coaching”. first signed in 2006. Over the last Nomination forms will be sent after the six years they have cooperated on a Olympic Games and the closing date will number of promotional, youth and be 15 September. anti-doping projects. Confirmation of all 2012 winners will be made by a European Athletics appointed panel.

For more information see www.european-athletics.org.

INSIDE TRACK 1|12 Newsletter of European Athletics www.european-athletics.org 19 Your Sport for Life COUNCIL

Decisions from European Athletics Council meeting in Sofia

The European Athletics Council, led by President Hansjörg Wirz, met in Sofia, Bulgaria, on 4-6 May 2012, with a number of Prague to host 2015 decisions made during the 132nd summit. European Athletics Indoor Borovets 2013 Multi-sport events Championships The European Mountain Running Discussions on recently proposed Championships were awarded to European multi-sport events focused on Borovets, Bulgaria. The 11th edition of the impact of such events, and a set of the championships will be held on 6 July. criteria was presented on which European Athletics’ future discussions will be based. Sustainability Any European multi-sports event must European Athletics’ ongoing sustainability create for athletics important additional drive will be spearheaded by its “Green awareness and values, an increased image Inspiration” brand concept, approved by as well as an important higher economical the Council, which will be used to drive effect, must fit into the international campaigns that inspire and recognise calendar of athletics, the control of the efforts contributing to the sustainability competition and activities must be secured of events. by European Athletics, and additional television exposure and audience is also a Pilot projects will be planned in co- condition. operation with the Local Organising European Athletics President Hansjörg Wirz and Director General Committees of major European Athletics Event bidding Christian Milz (far left) with Barbora Špotáková, Czech athletics events in 2013. The project will then be A bidding indicators document for federation President Libor Varhanik and Jan Kocourek from the rolled out in 2014. European Athletics’ main events, which Czech Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport. includes the key requirements that UNESCO-European Athletics bidding cities need to follow in order to Young Leaders Forum present eligible candidatures for European European Athletics has awarded the 2015 European Athletics and the United Nations Athletics’ top events, was approved by the European Athletics Indoor Championships to Educational, Scientific and Cultural Council as part of its long-term planning Prague. Organization (UNESCO) are teaming up strategy. again to develop tomorrow’s sport and The European Athletics Council made the decision at its community leaders by organising a Young Competition 132nd Council meeting in Sofia after the Czech athletics Leaders Forum from 25–28 June in The allocation of the 2012-2013 Cross federation presented their candidacy to host the 33rd edition conjunction with the 2012 European Country Permit Meetings was approved. of the event. Athletics Championships in Helsinki. The circuit is composed of nine meetings staged in seven different countries from European Athletics President Hansjörg Wirz said, “We are Representatives between the ages of 27 October 2012 to 27 January 2013. very pleased to confirm that Prague will be the hosts of the 18 and 26 have been invited from each Detailed information about the calendar, European Athletics Indoor Championships in 2015.” of European Athletics’ 50 Member contacts and programme of events will Federations to take part in the Forum, soon be displayed on the European Czech athletics federation President Libor Varhanik said to the where they will share their ideas Athletics website. Council, “Thank you very much for putting your trust in us, for developing the sport and their and we welcome you all to Prague in 2015.” local communities through clubs, schools A “Team Europe” for the BUPA Great and events. Edinburgh Cross Country in 5 January Olympic javelin champion and world record holder Barbora 2013 is to be selected after the Špotáková was among the Prague delegation which made its Youth Strategy 2012 SPAR European Cross Country final presentation to the Council. The final report of the European Athletics Championships in December. Youth Strategy Group was presented Istanbul was the other candidate city presenting their bid at to the Council. The recommendations the meeting. included a restructuring of the calendar to ensure that young athletes at youth, junior The next European Athletics Indoor Championships are and under-23 level have the possibility scheduled for Göteborg, Sweden, 1–3 March 2013. of competing at the highest level of competition in a balanced and regular way Prague hosted the 1967 European Indoor Games, the (either at Olympic, world and European precursor to the European Athletics Indoor Championships, level), with consistent communication and the 1978 European Athletics Championships. with a younger audience, and school and youth initiatives also recommended.

20 www.european-athletics.org Newsletter of European Athletics 1|12 INSIDE TRACK ZÜRICH 2014 e Lif or f t Spor our Y Bracing up for an amazing event with a long-term impact

Alain Blondel won the European decathlon title for in Helsinki in 1994. 20 years after his triumph, he is a member of the team organising the European Athletics Championships in Switzerland, and he is determined to make the event a great and lasting success. On 1 May 2012, he started his job as Technical Director of Zürich 2014.

Alain, what does a Technical Director intend to involve officials from all parts And now, I am in do, two years prior to the European of the country, and from all language a position to give Athletics Championships? regions. These volunteers will spread the something back to That’s what my friends keep asking me. championship virus to the entire country, this event and to the But I can assure you, there is a lot of work even before the event gets underway. fans of athletics. to be done, even at this early stage. It Recruiting officials from the Zurich will be a huge event. And, of course, the area only would be easier, but it would Weltklasse Zürich higher the goals and expectations, the contradict our philosophy of staging a is a sell-out bigger the workload. Swiss event. We have also teamed up event every year. with the national federation and with Switzerland is In a city with such a strong tradition the promoters of Athletissima Lausanne. considered an of athletics, those expectations must Working together to achieve a sustainable expensive place. be quite high. impact for the sport, that’s both the idea Will fans be That’s correct. I quickly behind our efforts, and the able to afford realised just how important challenge for the two years attending the these championships are to come. competitions in going to be for our sport in Zurich? this country. The last European Does this mean that Athletics Championships on the event itself, the Yes, they will. Our Swiss soil were held in Bern, competitions between 12 goal is to have a sold- back in 1954. This means, and 17 August 2014, will out stadium on all six that Zürich 2014 will actually be merely a by-product days of competition. be an event of the century. We of your work? We offer great are determined to seize the opportunity, No. With our approach and with all ticket packages at and to try and achieve a positive effect for measures we take, we are building the reasonable prices. the future. foundation of the stage on which we And all tickets will will present an unforgettable edition of include Swiss public Alain Blondel How does this perspective translate the European Athletics Championships. transport fares for the journey to and into your everyday work? We would like to amaze stadium visitors from the stadium. Visiting Zürich 2014 One of our primary motivations is to use and viewers, and capture them with a will be exciting and affordable for both the charisma of Zürich 2014 to broaden fascinating, emotional event. Even though international and local visitors. the basis and strengthen the importance I have only just started my job, I know that of athletics in Switzerland. Take the we are on the right track. And as far as When will the ticket sales start? UBS Kids Cup, for instance, a project the technical organisation is concerned, As of November 2012, week passes will initiated in view of the European Athletics Zurich promoters are expected to deliver be available to Zürich 2014 Friends. To Championships: This year, around 75,000 a high-precision event anyway. become a friend, all you have to do is children will compete at more than 550 register for free (www.zuerich2014.ch). venues. It’s a three-discipline event that That aspect will be It’s advisable to secure tickets as early as introduces children to the basic elements precisely your job... possible. Letzigrund Stadium is relatively of athletics. For a small country like And they hired me, a Frenchman! (smiles) small for an event the size of the European Switzerland, the Cup is a huge platform Athletics Championships. I am sure that providing tremendous impetus to What does your task the best seats will go very quickly. So, potential talents. mean to you personally? if you are a fan: Visit our website and It is a very special assignment indeed. In become a Friend! Or, on the technical level of the event, 2014, it will have been exactly 20 years there is the example of judges: We since I won the European title in Helsinki.

INSIDE TRACK 1|12 Newsletter of European Athletics www.european-athletics.org 21 Your Sport for Life DIRECTOR GENERAL’s STATE OF THE SPORT Heading into the home straight of Helsinki 2012

By Christian Milz, Director General of European Athletics

As I write, there are just a few days to for the period 2012–2015, which you can The multi-media approach doesn’t go until the 21st European Athletics read more about on Page 15. stop there. Athletes’ post-competition Championships in Helsinki – the most interviews will be uploaded to the European important event in the history of European We will also stream live the championships Athletics YouTube site (www.youtube. Athletics. As ever, the European Athletics this time around, with English commentary com/europeanathletics) throughout the Championships will be the ultimate shop adding colour to the live action. Athletics championships. And videos, photos, news window for athletics on the continent, fans around the world will be able to articles and more will be posted to the when established and new stars of our click through to a link from the European new European Athletics Championships sport have the chance to shine on the Athletics website homepage and watch Facebook fan page (facebook.com/ grandest of stages. the championships live in their entirety, EuropeanAthleticsChampionships) and and discuss the action as it happens with dedicated Twitter feed @Euro_Champs It’s a time when our sport reaches its largest fellow fans through a Facebook plug-in. (www.twitter.com/Euro_Champs). audience. We have already announced They will also be able to instantly rewind strong broadcast intentions Helsinki the action and watch video on demand of Meanwhile, the European Athletics app 2012 with one month still to go until the an event just a few minutes after it has for iPhone and Android (see Page 12) championships with a figure approaching finished will carry a link to the Helsinki 2012 800 hours of live and delayed coverage ... mobile-optimised website carrying all with this figure continually rising as late the start lists and live results. Of course, intentions roll in and previous intentions are revised.

The expected television coverage shows the value broadcasters attach to a European Athletics Championships, and the figures are especially strong considering that these championships will be a compact five days instead of six with no or race walks. Television is the gateway for our sport to a wide audience of existing and potential new fans and I am happy to say that our long- standing partnership with the European Broadcasting Union, which has been of the utmost importance in ensuring excellent coverage of our events across Europe since 1981, has ensured we have a robust foundation of broadcasters wanting to televise our flagship event. Indeed, we are pleased to have come to an agreement with the EBU on the sale of media rights for the rest of the world (outside Europe)

22 www.european-athletics.org Newsletter of European Athletics 1|12 INSIDE TRACK DIRECTOR GENERAL’s STATE OF THE SPORT DIRECTOR GENERAL’s STATE OF THE SPORT e Lif or f t Spor our Y

the European Athletics website (www. european-athletics.org) will carry all the latest news from Helsinki 2012 in the final countdown to the event and throughout the five-day championships.

All eyes will be trained on Helsinki between 27 June and 1 July with the event attracting a huge amount of interest from media, sponsors and the public. 10,000 people will be accredited for the event, with about 1,600 to 1,800 team members from 50 Member Federation countries on their way to the Finnish capital. We expect more than 1,000 media representatives to attend.

Indeed, the magnitude of this high-quality event cannot be underestimated – nor can the values it brings, not least in terms of the host city. The Helsinki 2012 local organising committee forecasts a 20 to 30 million euro boost to the local economy in the Helsinki metropolitan area and 10 to 15 million euros of direct tax revenue to Finnish society.

Helsinki’s approach to the championships has been in tune with our belief that a European Athletics Championships must we made it clear to all that it will be a In backing up all the compelling reasons be fully integrated within the city so competition that creates “European for an Olympic-year European Athletics that the event doesn’t begin and end as champions” – a big difference to one- Championships, we have worked hard on one enters and leaves the stadium. The day meetings. Our Member Federations the international promotion of Helsinki Opening Ceremony on the eve of the strongly asked for such a possibility in the 2012. The aim of European Athletics in event will be held at Senate Square – a Olympic year. centrally promoting the event was: spectacular setting in the middle of the • to get Member Federations working Finnish capital. An “Event Park” has been The chance of success for athletes is together to strengthen the positioning prepared outside the Olympic Stadium obviously much higher than at the of the Championships as a major and offering lots of different activities. Olympics: from 100 percent of European much-needed event in the athletics Mornings will cater for the younger medal winners at our continental calendar; generation and families with music, plays championships to around 40 percent of • to place Helsinki 2012 as a crucial part and activities. The SPARK Junior Athletics European medal winners at the Olympics. of the brand-building process for the Area will be set-up by our International The Member Federations recognise the sport; Partner SPAR to entertain young athletics importance of this success as well as the • to ensure that Helsinki 2012 is seen as fans. The daytime programme will be for recognition and awareness of these top bigger than the athletes and stars; it older boys and girls while the evening will results by the public, television, media, is the Championships themselves that cater for older fans. And for the first time institutions and governments. are the attraction, the sustainable value in the history of the event, the Victory and the long-term guarantee we can Ceremonies will be held outside the It is a fact that the Member Federations count on; stadium in the Event Park. This will mean select the teams for the European • to make the Helsinki 2012 European that the whole of Helsinki can be a part of Athletics Championships and therefore it Athletics Championships a spectacular the championships. is interesting to note that their procedures curtain raiser for the London 2012 and requirements of the selection criteria Olympic Games; With many vital elements in place, the for Helsinki 2012 have strongly respected • to promote Helsinki 2012 as a European Athletics Championships in participation in the Championships. prominent stage for existing and, Helsinki will be a memorable occasion, importantly, emerging Olympic talent; with spectators in the stadium, fans in In terms of timing, Helsinki 2012 falls • to ensure our Member Federations Helsinki and millions of TV viewers around about the same time as the U.S. Olympic were clear on how to communicate the the world able to enjoy the event. trials, when American athletes compete benefits to all audiences of a biennial at the highest level to ensure selection for event format. There has been a lot of groundwork the Summer Games. It hasn’t done them leading up to this point. In the procedure any harm in the last two Olympics, as We now approach the home straight of of implementing a European Athletics Team USA has finished top of the athletics Helsinki 2012 … the event itself. I hope Championships in an Olympic year medals table. you enjoy it!

INSIDE TRACK 1|12 Newsletter of European Athletics www.european-athletics.org 23 Your Sport for Life CONVENTION

European Athletics President Hansjörg Wirz, women’s European Athletics Rising Star Sandra Perkovic, men’s European Athletics Rising Star Teddy Tamgho, women’s European Athlete of the Year Blanka Vlašic and European Athletics Director General Christian Milz at the 2010 European Athletics Awards Night in Belgrade. Time to honour the best of European athletics

After the curtain falls on the European Athletics Championships Helsinki 2012 on David Storl of Germany receives the 1 July, it will soon be time to honour the best of European athletics at the European 2011 European Athletics Rising Star Athletics Awards Night during the European Athletics Convention from 11–13 of the Year award in Arona, Spain. October. This time around it is hosted in St Julians, Malta.

Every year during this prestigious gala The lists for the athlete awards will be After thousands of votes were cast night, a number of awards are presented compiled by selecting the top European in 2011, 5000m world champion to reward the best of European athletics: athlete in each event, based largely on Mo Farah of Great Britain and performances at the European Athletics world 800m champion Mariya • European Athlete of the Year Savinova of Russia emerged as (men/women) Europe’s finest athletes of the year. • European Athletics Rising Star of the Year (men/women) The great honour of being named the winners of the European • European Athletics Innovation Athletics Rising Star Awards fell to Awards (every two years) German shot put star David Storl Championships in Helsinki, the 2012 and Great Britain’s sprints prodigy • European Athletics Coaching London Olympic Games, along with a . These awards Awards number of other European Athletics and recognised their spectacular IAAF events. performances throughout 2011. European Athletics will shortlist the nominations for all the categories The winners of the European Athlete of All four winners were presented mentioned above (this year will be the the Year will be decided by votes from the with their awards by European 2011 European Athlete of the Year Mariya Savinova of Russia. turn of the Innovation Awards after the general public, media, European Athletics Athletics President Hansjörg Wirz Women’s Leadership Awards in 2011). Member Federations and an expert panel, at a special European Athletics Those coaches whose athletes become with the results from each group of voters Awards Night, organised during the European Champions in Helsinki will be counting for one quarter of the athlete’s European Athletics Convention in Arona, eligible for the European Athletics Coaching final score. Each voter must select their Spain. Awards and the respective federations will five preferred athletes and rank them in be contacted for confirmation. order of priority.

24 www.european-athletics.org Newsletter of European Athletics 1|12 INSIDE TRACK