Your Sport for Life

Newsletter of European Athletics 2 | 11 June INSIDE TRACK

18 – 19 JUNE Best of Europe gather in

Hansjörg Wirz re-elected European Athletics President Your Sport for Life WORD FROM THE PRESIDENT

IMPRESSUM

European Athletics Association Européenne d’Athlétisme President: Addressing the needs Hansjörg Wirz Vice Presidents: Jose Luis de Carlos Karel Pilny Jean Gracia of an ever-changing Director General: Christian Milz

Office: Avenue Louis-Ruchonnet 18 society CH-1003 Lausanne Switzerland Phone +41 (0)21 313 43 50 Hansjörg Wirz | President, European Athletics Fax +41 (0)21 313 43 51 [email protected] www.european-athletics.org

“Inside Track” is published by At our Congress in in April, the 50 When I became the President of European look forward to a fantastic third edition of European Athletics European Athletics Member Federations Athletics 12 years ago, I wanted to address the SPAR European Team Championships Co-ordination: came together to agree on the leadership the fact that society is changing rapidly in Stockholm in June and a milestone James Mulligan of our sport for the next four years. One and that we must adapt. The demands European Athletics Championships next Aditya Kumar of the results of our democratic elections on people’s time are much greater these year. European Athletics Communication Department is that the members have put their faith days, with athletics competing with many Phone +41 (0)21 313 43 57 in me to lead European Athletics for a more sports and other leisure activities. 2012 will not only provide our [email protected] further four years. I am, of course, pleased Thus, I wanted our sport to address athletes with another opportunity to to receive the support of our Member these changes. To me, this meant making become “European champions,” with Text, Photos: James Mulligan, Aditya Federations and I thank them for this. our sport more attractive to sports fans all the benefits associated with this, but Kumar, Bill Glad, Phil Minshull, watching on television and in the stadium with it taking place at an opportune time Hansjörg Wirz, Christian Milz, I am also happy to welcome our returning and to youngsters. During my time as before the it will play an Andy Heading, Picture Alliance and new Vice-Presidents, Council President, we have been constantly important part in the journey of athletes members, and Competition Committee looking at different ways to work on our ahead of London 2012. Design, Production: AMK Atelier für Marketing and Development Committee. I look competitions in order to make them more und Kommunikation forward to working together with you all appealing to existing fans and new fans. Indeed, we have in place an enviable Amstutzstrasse 14 in these exciting years ahead. structure for our showcase competitions. CH-6010 Kriens, Switzerland After my re-election in 2007, I reiterated But I have also seen a need during my time Phone +41 (0)41 320 00 72 Fax +41 (0)41 320 00 79 I have always said that this will be my the fact that there were two main as President for other competitions that [email protected] last term as President and also said that improvements to make to the competition develop the new generation. I think over the projects I have been working on need system: the introduction of an additional the years we have found a good mix and Print: this time to further develop. It is now my European Athletics Championships by balance in these two important areas and Multicolor Print AG CH-6340 Baar, Switzerland responsibility to work hard to serve the 2012 and the change in structure from have come to a good result. We will not Member Federations who have entrusted the European Cup to the European stop in our search, though, for innovation Cover page: me to lead European Athletics these years Team Championships by 2009. We have when it comes to competition. Best of Europe descend ahead. achieved both these goals. And now we can on Stockholm for the 3rd SPAR European Team Championships

2 WORD FROM THE PRESIDENT 9 HELSINKI 2012 12 DEVELOPMENT Addressing the needs of an ever- Major sponsorship boost Club Working Group elected changing society 10 Gateshead 2013 14 DIRECTOR GENERAL’S STATE 4 STOCKHOLM 2011 Gateshead to host 4th European Team OF THE SPORT Will Russia rule again at the 2011 SPAR Championships Keeping track with the future of our European Team Championships? sport 11 London 2011 7. 2011 European Athletics Congress 16 Coming Next Marvellous hosts and magnificent Ostrava and Tallinn will provide the competition in Paris stepping stone to global success

2 www.european-athletics.org Newsletter of European Athletics 2|11 INSIDE TRACK Word from the President e Lif or f t Spor our Y

Addressing the needs of an ever-changing French triple jumper Teddy Tamgho set the floor on fire with society a sensational world record at the European Athletics Indoor Championships in Paris.

It was also clear during my time as have shown leadership over the past 12 and friendship combined with unrelenting President that we needed to create a clear years and I will continue to strive towards hard work, we were committed to Twin Pillar strategy. On the one hand, we consolidating our progress in these areas organising a successful European had our flagship events that inspire and and continue to work on developing the Athletics Indoor Championships that motivate millions and give our athletes a second of our Twin Pillars, namely our would prove truly memorable to athletics chance to shine and compete at the highest development activities that are an integral fans across Europe – and in this endeavour level against the best of Europe. But on the part of our ongoing strategy to make we succeeded. other hand, activities involving education athletics “Your Sport for Life.” and youth development, corporate social I think it is fair to say that the fantastic responsibility, sustainability, health and Over the past 12 years, we have also performances throughout the three days well-being needed to be developed. The developed strong relations with our and the amazing atmosphere of Paris question I had was “Outside of high- International Partners, including SPAR 2011 will live long in the memories performance athletics, how is our sport and the European Broadcasting Union. of all athletics fans. I look forward serving society?” We are working hard We continue to boast strong television to experiencing many more magical towards addressing this question. For exposure across Europe for our major moments at European Athletics events example, the European Athletics Congress events such as the European Athletics during my remaining time as President. in London approved our Youth Strategy Championships and European Athletics which addresses the topic of bringing Indoor Championships. younger people into our sport. Putting this strategy into practice is an important Most recently, we have worked hard area in the next four years. with the Paris 2011 LOC and the French Athletic Federation to produce a world- Life and our sport is constantly moving. If class event at the Palais Omnisports of we are not ready to adapt our situation to Paris-Bercy, despite facing challenges society then we die. I am proud of how we along the way. In a spirit of camaraderie

INSIDE TRACK 2|11 Newsletter of European Athletics www.european-athletics.org 3 Your Sport for Life Stockholm 2011

Will Russia rule again at the 2011 SPAR European Team Championships?

Who can defeat Russia this year after her emphatic success at the 2nd European Team Championships in the Norwegian city of 12 months ago? asks Phil Minshull. 18 – 19 JUNE

It’s a tall order for any country to topple sadly be absent in Stockholm due to injury and French athlete that could provide the them, taking into account Russia’s history but her words and determination live individual highlight of the Championships of producing outstanding athletes and on and memorably helped motivate her as Britain’s outdoor world and European teams that in the last two decades have German team mates to victory two years champion Phillips Idowu faces his regularly topped the medal tables at ago. counterpart from across the English major events, just as they did at the Channel Teddy Tamgho, the reigning 2010 European Athletics Championships Last year, Germany had to settle for third world and European champion indoors. and 2011 European Athletics Indoor place but, in place of Friedrich, it could be Both men confirmed that the weekend of Championships. the newly-minted hammer world record 18–19 June is in their diaries. holder Betty Heidler who will act as the In 2010, Russia scored 379.5 points across unofficial cheerleader for her team. “We’re going head-to-head at the the two days at the SPAR European Team European Team Championships in Championships, winning by a massive 62.5 “I’m really excited about competing in Stockholm. With the possibility of points and notching up 13 individual wins. Stockholm. I’ve never competed there competition hotting up and world before and you can’t help but look records being broken, I would definitely At the time of writing, the composition forward to performing for your country watch this space,” said Idowu, whetting of any of the 12 teams is not known – in a stadium with such heritage. I’m athletics’ fans appetites for their duel in although many of Europe’s top athletes feeling optimistic,” said Heidler recently. the Swedish capital. have expressed a desire to fly the flag for their country in Stockholm – but Russia is Great Britain and have completed The nations competing in the 2011 SPAR expected to field many of their athletes the top four in both of the last two years European Team Championships will be: who picked up 10 gold medals in the and will almost certainly have strong Russia, Great Britain, Germany, France, Catalan sun last summer and another six teams as well. Ukraine, Poland, , Belarus, Spain, Members of the victorious Russian under cover in Paris in March. Czech Republic, Sweden and Portugal. team celebrate in In fact, it could be a duel between a British Bergen. High jumper Aleksandr Shustov, 3000m steeplechaser Yuliya Zarudneva, 400m hurdler Natalya Antyukh and pole vaulter Svetlana Feofanova all won in Bergen before also going onto success in while a number of other winners at last year’s SPAR European Team Championships later also made the podium in one of the two subsequent major continental championships.

However, as German high jumper memorably said before the first SPAR European Team Championships in Leiria, Portugal, in 2009: “Nobody who is part of a team that could also be in contention will say someone else is going to win before the first race is run.”

The charismatic 2009 European Athletics Indoor Championships high jumper will

4 www.european-athletics.org Newsletter of European Athletics 2|11 INSIDE TRACK Stockholm 2011 e Lif or f t Spor our Y

More glory for Stockholm’s Olympic stadium Stockholm’s Olympic stadium – Olympiastadion to give its name in Swedish – is one of the most symbolic athletics venues in Europe.

Designed by the architect Torben Grut, Sweden’s own star Patrik Every last seat is likely to be occupied as it was opened in 1912 for the Olympic Sjoberg clearing 2.42m in 1987, a mark fans cheer on the 12 nations who are Games that year and it is the oldest which remains to this day the European competing. surviving Olympic stadium in the world. record and the last time a Swedish athlete It was also the site of the both the 1958 set an outdoor world record, and also However, the host nation is guaranteed an European Athletics Championships and Denmark’s Wilson Kipketer running even more rousing reception. the 1970 European Cup men’s final 1:41.73 to equal Sebastian Coe’s 800m and since 1967 has been the venue world record in July 1997. “The Championships will be a great for Sweden’s biggest one-day athletics opportunity for Sweden’s national team meeting, the DN Galan. No European, other than Kipketer himself to compete in the Olympic stadium for who improved the world record on two the first time since 1997. For most of our This summer, the stadium will add to its more occasions, has run faster than he did team members it will be the first time illustrious list of accolades by staging the that day in the Swedish capital. they will enter the stadium dressed in the 3rd SPAR European Team Championships. Swedish national team uniform,” said The Stockholm Into the bargain, no less than 83 world The facility has been renovated in recent Toralf Nilsson, the president of the Local Olympic Stadium has been witness records have been set within its confines. months and for the Championships it will Organising Committee. to a remarkable 83 Among the most recent ones have been hold around 20,000 spectators. world records.

What the athletes say about the SPAR European Team Championships

“The Championships are “The SPAR European “The SPAR European great fun, it’s an event Team Championships are Team Championships where team spirit is so an important milestone are like no other important. I know that in my career. I set my first competition in everybody in my team French record in Leiria athletics. It’s a will try to produce their (Portugal) at the first wonderful feeling to best performance because just one Championships in 2009 and I shall point could be vital.” never forget that. No athlete forgets be competing for your country and also those occasions and no pole vaulter sitting in the stands cheering on your Portugal’s Naide Gomes, 2006 forgets going over six metres for the team mates. I was very proud to have and 2010 European Athletics first time.” been part of the Germany tam that Championships long jump silver won at the inaugural Championships medallist. France’s Renaud Lavillenie, 2010 two years ago in Portugal. I finished European Athletics Championships second on that occasion but won my and 2011 European Athletics Indoor event last year in Bergen. This year I Championships pole vault gold hope that Germany can regain the title medallist. of being Europe’s top athletics country and I can win my event, I would love “At the SPAR it’s usually one of the first events both things to happen.” European Team Championships I’ve on the track, so 12 points is so important to get the team going.” Germany’s Betty Heidler, women’s always felt that I’m hammer world record holder not just running Great Britain’s David ‘Dai’ and 2010 European Athletics for myself but the whole of the British team. The Greene, 2010 European Athletics Championships gold medallist. 400m hurdles is always one of the Championships 400m hurdles gold first events on the programme, medallist.

INSIDE TRACK 2|11 Newsletter of European Athletics www.european-athletics.org 5 Your Sport for Life European Team Championships

Greece, and go straight back up? 2011 European Team Championships First League preview

Greece, Norway and Finland were Baniótis and pole vaulter Konstadinos relegated from the SPAR Team Filippídis, as well as the ever-consistent Romania’s strength traditionally has Championships last year but they were 2006 European Athletics Championships been in the women’s events and former given the perfect example of how to 400m hurdles gold medallist Periklís European junior champions like Andrea respond to that sort of disappointment by Iakovákis. Ograzeanu, Ancuta Bobocel and Bianca Czech Republic, Sweden and Portugal at Perie could all make big contributions while the 2010 European Team Championships Norway can count the current Olympic, 2010 European Athletics Championships First League in Budapest. world and European javelin champion men’s silver medallist Marian Andreas Thorkildsen along with 2011 Oprea will be disappointed with anything All three returned immediately to the top European Athletics Indoor Championships less than first place. flight of the Championships just a year medallists Ezinne Okparaebo and Christina after they all went down following the Vukicevic, while Finland traditionally have Hungary will have hammer thrower inaugural SPAR Team Championships in a good contingent of men’s throwers and Krisztián Pars looking for his third 2009. they will also be looking for a lot of points consecutive First League win and although from their pole vaulter Minna Nikkanen, the Netherlands may have few star names Last year’s relegated teams all have who is now among Europe’s best women in their team, apart from middle-distance personnel in their ranks who could help at her event. runner Yvonne Hak, historically they have them finish in the three promotion places a high level of all round consistency. in the Turkish city of Izmir. However, pushing this trio for the promotion places should be Romania, Greece are strong in the field events thanks Hungary and the Netherlands. All three to men like high jumper Konstadinos countries have fine heritages in the sport. Home advantage could help 2011 European Team Championships Second League preview

Serbia just missed out on promotion since made the final in the longer event battle for supremacy and 12 points in to the European Team Championships at both the 2011 European Athletics order to help their countries return to the First League last year, finishing fourth on Championships and 2011 European First League after the pair were relegated home soil in , but the prospect Athletics Indoor Championships. last year. of hosting the event again, at the 2009 European Athletics Junior Championships Obviously, their compatriots will be By contrast, Bulgaria was promoted venue in Novi Sad, could provide the looking for them to impress again. from the Third League last year and stimulus required to make the top three could possibly make further progress if this time around. However, other countries will also be the rejuvenated Iveta Lalova, the second hoping their stars will be shining in Serbia. fastest European woman over 100m ever, Long jumper Ivana Spanovic was one of can maintain the form that saw her run the stars of last year’s event when she The men’s discus could see undisputed her fastest times over 100m and 200m for won with a leap of 6.78m while middle living legends of the event like Estonia’s six years in May. distance runner Goran Nava won the Gerd Kanter and Lithuania’s Virgilijus 800m and 1500m in Belgrade and has Alekna, the last two Olympic champions, , Moldova and Cyprus set to battle 2011 European Team Championships Third League preview

No less than 15 teams will make their considerably while Moldova will be Championships medallist Kyriakos way to the Icelandic capital of Reykjavik, looking to its female distance runners, Iaonnou could make the men’s high jump volcanic ash permitting, for the 2011 including Oksana Juravel who won both one of the feature events at the meeting European Team Championships Third the 1500m and 3000m steeplechase in and Cyprus will also have some talented League. the Second League last year, to provide throwers in its team. plenty of points. Israel and Moldova were relegated from Perhaps the dark horse for promotion the Second League in 2010 but will start Cyprus were relegated from the Second is Azerbaijan, who have a stable of as favourites to make an immediate League in 2009 and just missed out on excellent distance runners although their return. getting promoted last year so they will weakness in the field events might tell not want to fall short again. against them over the course of two days High jumpers Dmitriy Kroyter and of competition. Danielle Frenkel could help Israel The presence of two-time World

6 www.european-athletics.org Newsletter of European Athletics 2|11 INSIDE TRACK PARIS 2011 e Lif or f t Spor our Y Marvellous hosts and magnificent competition in Paris

The 31st European Athletics Indoor Championships at the Palais Omnisport Paris-Bercy will go down as one of the best in the event’s history, writes Phil Minshull.

Not just for the quality of performances Lavillenie needed three attempts before dominated his event and produced by the athletes but also for the going over 5.91m but then edged over was a class apart in the men’s 400m. exuberance of the crowd. 6.03m at the first time of asking, only coming down to earth when he had three He ran 45.54 to take the gold medal A capacity crowd of around 8,000 people failures at an audacious world record over two laps of the track on the second filled the famous venue in the centre height of 6.16m. day and then returned to the track the of the French capital for two of the following day, on Sunday, to execute a three days and were rewarded by some “Hearing the crowd supporting me was superb second leg in the 4x400m. stunning performances from the men and fantastic, it was so important for me to women of Les Bleus. win a title like this on French soil but I After Djhone had finished his stint, am also sure I will be able to jump higher the baton was left in the hands of The man of the weekend was, without outdoors in the summer,” reflected Mamoudou Hanne and then anchor man doubt, triple jumper Teddy Tamgho. Lavillenie. Yoan Décimus with the French quartet recording 3:06.17. He deserves special attention (see the The three other French victories were also accompanying feature) for his latest achieved with national records. With a plethora of great results contribution to athletics history but many by French athletes, the host of his compatriots rose to the occasion as Antonietta Nana Djimou Ida’s pentathlon broadcaster France Télévisions well and the host nation finished second record of 4723 points was also one of five attracted outstanding average in the medal table behind Russia with 11 world leading marks achieved during the audiences of 1.2 million (an 11.8 medals, five of them of a golden hue. Championships. per cent market share) and 1.3 million (11.1 per cent) for the In addition to Tamgho’s world indoor She started with a 60m hurdles personal afternoon/evening sessions on record, or should that be records, of best of 8.11, the fastest ever seen Saturday and Sunday. 17.92m, the other championship record during a women’s pentathlon at the in Paris also went to a Frenchman with Championships and continued to reel pole vaulter Renaud Lavillenie defending off high quality performances including his title and leaping over a national record a shot put of 14.81m, a personal best by of 6.03m. more than half-a-metre.

INSIDE TRACK 2|11 Newsletter of European Athletics www.european-athletics.org 7 Your Sport for Life Paris 2011

who won the 1992 and 1994 1500m Demonstrating that it’s not just stamina titles at the ages of 39 and 41, succeeds and strength but also speed that can her for maturity. stay with you as the years progress, the 32-year-old Portuguese sprinter Francis Clitheroe went to the French capital as Obikwelu became the oldest winner of the Golden the marginal favourite for the 3000m as European Athletics Indoor Championships she lead the 2011 European rankings and men’s 60m. delivered when she prevailed over Russia’s Oldies Olesya Syreva by three-hundredths of a Obikwelu, who set the European 100m second after a thrilling battle over the last record of 9.86 when he finished second No evidence of stamina, lap, crossing the line in 8:56.66. at the 2004 Olympics Games, won in a strength and speed national record and European-leading diminishing with age “During the race I kept thinking, ‘It’s slow, time of 6.53. will I be able to kick?’. I just kept pushing. Only when I crossed line did I realise I‘d “My only plan coming here was to enjoy won,“ said the stunned but delighted myself, get to the final and then I said Italy’s Antonietta It is impossible to cover the 26 events British team captain. ‘anything can happen’ and that’s what Di Martino won contested at the 2011 European Athletics did happen,” joked the ever-smiling 2006 her first ever major Indoor Championships in the space gold medal in Paris. Also raising the flag for the older European Athlete of The Year. that is available in Inside Track, or even generation was German shot putter mention all the winners. However, one Ralf Bartels, now 33, whose previous Italy’s Antonietta Di Martino, also 32, particular feature of the Championships continental titles included winning at showed she still has some spring in her struck many observers, the number of so-called ‘Golden Oldies’. the 1997 European Athletics Junior step when she came out on top in the Championships and the 2006 European women’s high jump. There were a host of winners who proved Athletics Championship. that it is still possible to be a top class Three women were still in the competition athlete in your fourth decade and taste Bartels took the lead in the second round at 1.99 but Di Martino, with her first success after the age of 30. with 20.80m and was never headed as he attempt, was the only one to go clear and, picked up his first major indoor honour. with the competition won, she also went Pride of place must go to Great Britain’s over 2.01m. Helen Clitheroe, who turned 37 in January He extended his advantage with a Europe- and became the second oldest woman to leading effort of 21.16m in the fourth win a gold medal at the Championships. round, which was then backed up by Only Russia’s Yekaterina Podkopayeva, 21.09m with his final attempt.

Teddy Tamgho bounds his way into the history books A lot of credit should go to the local organisers of the 2011 European Athletics Indoor Championships for having the foresight to organise the schedule so that the men’s triple jump was the final event.

All eyes were on the local hero Teddy Donato improved further to 17.73m in the good friends. Phillips has helped me; he Tamgho after his world indoor record fourth round but then Tamgho equalled has given me good advice. It is going to of 17.91m earlier in the winter and the his earlier mark before having two fouls in be very difficult for me to beat him. 21-year-old from the Parisian suburbs his bid to become the first man to break responded superbly to the expectations the 18-metre barrier indoors. “I think it is going to be 50-50. placed on his young shoulders. I‘ve got my marks – 17.92m “Jumps of 17.90m are no longer out of indoors, 17.98m outdoors – but He bounded to his second indoor world the norm for me. When Donato took Phillips has got the titles. In the record of the winter, and the third of his the lead with his second jump, I knew I last two years he has won at the career, when he went out to 17.92m in could go further. If someone had jumped World Championships and the the second round of the contest and then 17.93m, I would have pulled off a big European Championships, each equalled that mark two attempts later. jump, but the goal was the gold medal,” time with a personal record. He commented Tamgho. has jumped 17.81m now and It was a thrilling contest as Romania’s I think in (at the World Marian Oprea, a silver medallist at the The prospect now beckons of some Championships) this summer Championships as a teenager nine years titanic clashes this summer with Great and in London at the Olympics before, opened with 17.62m. Britain’s current outdoor world champion next year he will jump farther,” Phillips Idowu, who was not in Paris, who analysed Tamgho. In the second round, Italy’s defending beat Tamgho to the European Athletics champion showed he Championships gold medal in Barcelona was not going to relinquish his crown last summer. easily when he achieved a national record of 17.70m but it only sought to spur on “I won‘t tell you he is going to win, Local hero Teddy Tamgho set Tamgho to the first of his record efforts. because I want to win too but we are two world records on one evening in Paris.

8 www.european-athletics.org Newsletter of European Athletics 2|11 INSIDE TRACK HELSINKI 2012 e Lif or f t Spor our Y

Major sponsorship boost

A remarkable 80 percent of sponsorship revenues for the Helsinki 2012 European Athletics Championships have already been secured more than a year before the event.

The Helsinki 2012 Local Organising “The success of Göteborg 2006 and experiences and enjoyment for the whole Committee introduced Li-Ning/L- Barcelona 2010 has proved that the athletics family. These championships will Fashion Group, Securitas, Puustelli host city of the European Athletics strengthen the role of Finnish athletics Group, Sodexo, Valio and Veikkaus as Championships greatly benefits from also in the future.” National Partners at a press conference in the event. It gives unique visibility to the the Finnish capital earlier in June. city and the companies involved, and Helsinki 2012 organisers also announced brings in extra revenue for both the city contracts with the following national They will join European Athletics and the organisers of the event,” said suppliers: Maan Auto/Peugeot, International Partners SPAR, Omega, Antti Pihlakoski, president of the Local Hartwall, Stopteltat, Sokotel/Radisson Le Gruyére and Eurovision in Organising Committee. Blu and Sokoshotels-chains, Mondo, supporting the 27 June to 1 July event. Punamusta, Niemi palvelut and National Partner CEOs said they are pleased Lippupalvelu. Sponsorship revenues of 2 million euros to align their companies with athletics’ out of a total revenue target of 2.5 million biggest continental championships. Helsinki 2012 media partners are are now in place. The total budget for Clear Channel and SBS Media. In the championships is 14 million euros. “We are about to introduce a new addition, the Ministry of Education sports clothing brand Li-Ning for and Culture, City of Helsinki and the Helsinki 2012 marketing director Jari Finnish customers, and what would Helsinki Regional Traffic Bureau are Töykkä said interest from the Finnish be a better way to launch it than the giving their institutional support to the business community has been extremely European Athletics Championships,” championships. strong for the 21st edition of European said Vesa Luhtanen from L-Fashion Athletics flagship championships as it Group. “In our view Helsinki 2012 is switches to a two-year cycle for the first time. one of the most exciting opportunities among events organised in Finland.” “Sales have exceeded our expectations and we are very pleased to see this many Puustelli Group’s Jussi Aine said, companies already onboard. It is great to “Athletics has a strong foothold in Finnish see this high an interest level for athletics society. We at Puustelli Group want to among the Finnish corporate world,” said be a part of organising a successful and Töykkä. high quality event with unforgettable

Nature and technology at the heart of Helsinki 2012 The main themes behind the official logo and event design for the Helsinki 2012 European Athletics Championships are nature, design and technology.

The curve-shaped logo of the Tuukka Rantala, a Finnish professional championships was chosen in an online designer who created the winning logo, The official event design is by Helsinki- vote from a shortlist of four, following said he got his inspiration from Finnish based advertising agency Kapina, and it an initial international contest through natural phenomena such as the northern combines lines of a running track with design website boblr.com that attracted lights and midnight sun. a shape of a circuit board, all in colours 257 logo design proposals from 38 that can be found in Finnish nature. countries. “The logo consists of a dashed line or lace that forms two curves, which “Helsinki will be the host city for the 2012 Helsinki 2012 General Secretary Esa represent nature and technology, a kind European Athletics Championships, but Honkalehto said, “The whole process of yin and yang of the modern world,” also the World Design Capital the same of selecting the logo through the said Rantala. year. In the event design we wanted to online design competition and public combine these two and also emphasise voting fits particularly well with the “Gaps in the lace form rays that illustrate the reputation of Finland as a country of themes of the 2012 European Athletics explosive energy and brightness that high technology,” said Honkalehto. Championships, which are nature, are present both in athletics and natural design and technology.” phenomena such as the midnight sun and northern lights.”

INSIDE TRACK 2|11 Newsletter of European Athletics www.european-athletics.org 9 Your Sport for Life Gateshead 2013 Gateshead to host 4th European Team Championships

European Athletics has awarded the 2013 European Team Championships to the English city of Gateshead.

The European Athletics Council made the decision, after UK Athletics and the City of Gateshead presented their candidacy to host the 4th edition of the Super League, at its 129th meeting in Frankfurt.

Gateshead will host European Athletics’ flagship team event for the first time after hosting its predecessor, the SPAR European Cup, in 1989 and 2000.

European Athletics President Hansjörg Wirz said, “We are very pleased to confirm that Gateshead will be the hosts of the European Team Championships Super League in 2013. Athletics has a huge following in Great Britain and we have been assured today that we can look forward to an excellent event.” UKA Chief Executive Niels de Vos said, “Gateshead 2013 will reinforce the European Team Championships as one of the biggest athletics events in the world. European Athletics The members of the newly formed European Athletics Council after their first meeting in President Hansjörg Wirz It will be the first major athletics event Frankfurt. (centre) and Director in Great Britain after the 2012 London General Christian Olympics and I am sure the event will Milz (far right) are joined by, from left to right, develop, promote and foster athletics in World Championships, we have made a it to the final stage of the bidding Gateshead Council Group Europe, and further raise the profile of the great start towards using the catalyst of process for a European Athletics event. Director David Bunce and sport on the continent.” the London 2012 Games to position the Major Events Manager UK as a world leading host nation. The bid The European Team Championships has Geoff Haggon, UKA Chairman Ed Warner, Simon Morton, Head of Major Events at we presented with UKA and Gateshead gone from strength to strength since it Gateshead Council Cabinet UK Sport, said, “It is fantastic that we was comprehensive and we look forward began in 2009, introducing a number Member Linda Green, UKA are able to confirm the 2013 European to continuing our partnership to deliver of groundbreaking initiatives including Head of Competition and Team Championships as one of the major this exciting event in 2013, which will a revamp of traditional International Relations Cherry Alexander, UKA events the UK is set to host beyond 2012. help maintain the momentum for hosting regulations, men and women competing Chief Executive Niels de Vos In securing this event alongside the 2015 world class sport on British soil following as one team, promotion and relegation and UK Sport Major Events Canoe Slalom and Artistic Gymnastics London 2012.” battles among the four leagues, and a Consultant Lucy Crickmore. European “league table.” Gateshead Council Cabinet Member, Councillor Linda Green said, “It’s another “With the European Team Championships coup for Gateshead. We’re delighted we are leading the way in adapting and to host, after two versions of the SPAR developing our sport so it maintains its European Cup, the 2013 European appeal in the eyes of the spectators, TV Team Championships. We look forward viewers, media and athletes of today to welcoming European Athletics back and tomorrow,” said European Athletics to a newly developed stadium that we Director General Christian Milz. “We aim to fill with athletics fans, who will have been assured today that UKA and have the London Olympics fresh in their Gateshead will work with us to produce memories.” an excellent event.”

Braunschweig (Germany), Bydgoszcz (Poland), Gateshead and Ostrava (Czech Republic), made their final presentations to the European Athletics Council in Frankfurt during its 129th meeting – the first time four cities had made

10 www.european-athletics.org Newsletter of European Athletics 2|11 INSIDE TRACK London 2011 e Lif or f t Spor our Y

Hansjörg Wirz re-elected European Athletics president

Hansjörg Wirz of Switzerland The European Athletics Golden Pin was was re-elected as president presented to Marc Jörg (SUI), Shlomo Ben- of European Athletics for a Gal (ISR), Anatolie Bala (MDA), Francesco Fava (ITA), Anatoliy Badoyev (BLR) and fourth term at the continental Gabrijel Ambrozic (SLO). body’s Congress in London on 16 April. A special recognition was given to António Campos (POR), Elio Papponetti (ITA), President Wirz was chosen to lead, direct Sandro Giovannelli (ITA), Roger Simons and represent European Athletics for the (GBR), Alfred Stokes (GBR) and Gilbert period 2011-2015 ahead of challenger Evrard (BEL) for their contribution in the Svein Arne Hansen. ongoing restructuring of the European Clubs Cup Competitions. “Our Member Federations have shown Gordon Campbell, managing director SPAR International B.V., their appreciation for what I have done The following were elected as European receives the European Athletics Plaque of Merit from President Wirz. in the last four years and have shown Athletics Council members: confidence that the future of our sport Franco Arese (ITA), Sylvia Barlag (NED), on the continent is going in the right Jonas Egilsson (ISL), Liam Hennessy direction,” said President Wirz. (IRL), Frank Hensel (GER), Dobromir Karamarinov (BUL), Toralf Nilsson (SWE), “We now look ahead towards more hard Erki Nool (EST), Antti Pihlakoski (FIN), work so we can live up to the expectations Jorge Salcedo (POR), of our members.” (ROU), Salih Munir Yaras (TUR), Vadim Zelichenok (RUS). Jose Luis de Carlos (ESP), Karel Pilny (CZE) and Jean Gracia (FRA) were voted in as Competition Committee European Athletics vice-presidents. Pierce O’Callaghan (IRL), Jean-Pierre Schoebel (MON), Libor Varhanik (CZE), The president along with the three elected Mikhail Butov (RUS) (The rest of the vice presidents and Director General members of the committee will be Christain Milz form the five-member appointed at a later stage.) Executive Committee of European President Wirz with UKA President Lynn Davies Athletics. Development Committee Nick Davis (IRL), Anthony Chircop (MLT), The Congress also elected 13 Council Pedalo (BIH), Erich Teigamägi (EST) members and four members each to (The rest of the members of the committee the European Athletics Competition will be appointed at a later stage.) and European Athletics Development Committee. 10 Commissions The committees will be supported by European Athletics’ Plaque of Merit 10 commissions for: Athletes, Appeal, was presented to Mr Gordon Campbell, Cross Country; Clubs, Education, Medical managing director SPAR International and Anti-doping, Member Federation, B.V., Mr Fernando Mota, president of Mountain Running; Race Walking, and the Portuguese athletics federation, and Reflection. Tamaz Mdinaradze, former president of the Georgian Athletic Federation. The members of the commissions will be Lord Sebastian Coe, IAAF Vice President and the Chairman of appointed at a later stage. LOCOG, addresses the Congress.

Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to host 2013 European Athletics Congress

The 2013 European Athletics Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, at the The day-long event will welcome senior Congress has been awarded European Athletics Congress in London. representatives from every European to Skopje, the capital city of European Athletics President Hansjörg athletics nation. Wirz said, “We are very pleased to award the Former Yugoslav Republic this important European Athletics event More than 200 delegates from the of Macedonia. to Skopje. We have been assured by 50 Member Federations of European what we have seen from the presentation Athletics will attend the event in the The decision was made after a successful made at our recent Congress that Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia bid presentation by Vancho Stojanov everything can be put in place to ensure as the country continues its bid towards from Atletska Federacija na Makedonija, a successful Congress in the Former building a reputation for staging the athletics federation of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.” international athletics events.

INSIDE TRACK 2|11 Newsletter of European Athletics www.european-athletics.org 11 Your Sport for Life DEVELOPMENT Clubs Working Group elected

Five members were elected to the newly created European Athletics Clubs Working Group at the first European Athletics Clubs Conference in Frankfurt, Germany, 1–3 April. The conference participants also called on European Athletics to increase its support for the development of national athletics clubs systems across Europe.

Vittorio Di Saverio (ITA), Roger Simons “We all agree that clubs are a key interface them both relevant in their communities (GBR), Curt Högberg (SWE), Antonio between the sport and its participants and able to attract the resources they Campos (POR), and Annette Nørgård and that it is in everyone’s interest that require to operate and develop. Jensen (DEN) were selected from 11 all sides work more closely together to candidates by the 60 clubs representatives promote the values of athletics such as Prior to the conference, European at the conference. Also attending were 45 health, education, social integration and, Athletics conducted a survey that asked Member Federation representatives, who of course, performance.” club leaders about their challenges and did not vote in the election. the level of optimism towards addressing A highlight of the conference programme them in the future. In accordance with the working group’s was the keynote speech by former world terms of reference, a chairperson will and European 1500m champion Steve The survey results will be analysed in be appointed by the European Athletics Cram (GBR) who described the role his detail by the new working group and a Council, which may also appoint club played in his career and then laid out full report will be published by European additional members. some of the challenges athletics clubs and Athletics. the sport’s governing bodies face if they Former world and In a unanimously adopted communiqué, are to remain viable in a changing society. To see the conference presentations European 1500m champion Steve the conference participants asked the and the final communiqué visit http:// Cram addresses the working group to promote the exchange The programme also featured www.european-athletics.org/european- gathering at the of ideas and best practice with regard to presentations on national clubs systems athletics-clubs-conference.html. European Athletics club operations, propose ways to develop and case studies of successful clubs that Clubs Conference in Frankfurt. the international competition system for have adopted different strategies to make clubs and suggest activities that integrate clubs in the delivery of European Athletics’ ‘Your Sport for Life’ strategy.

“All the participants I talked to praised this unique initiative,” said European Athletics Director General Christian Milz. “The conference was the first time we have tried to integrate the clubs, sport schools and other organisations into the international level discussion about where our sport is going.”

12 www.european-athletics.org Newsletter of European Athletics 2|11 INSIDE TRACK DEVELOPMENT e Lif or f t Spor our Y Awards recognise women leaders

European Athletics has invited all of its 50 Member Federations to promote the development of women leaders in the sport by naming a national winner for the second edition of the European Athletics Women’s Leadership Awards.

Each federation has the right to about the issues faced by women in select a winner and thereby recognise athletics.” accomplishments that are a significant contribution to athletics in areas other The first award will be presented to a than competitive success and serve as an representative of all the 2011 winners example of leadership and other values of during the European Athletics Awards the sport. Dinner, presented by Mondo, in Arona, Spain, on 15 October 2011. The other Alongside the awards, federations are winners will receive their awards at also invited to submit an application of ceremonies organised by their federations. a young woman they have identified The names of the three scholarship as a future leader in the sport for three winners and details of the training scholarships to a special leadership programme will also be announced during training programme offered by European the Awards Dinner. Athletics. European Athletics Council Member Dr For the inaugural Women’s Leadership Sylvia Barlag (left), Thordís Gísladóttir, “These awards and the training Awards given in 2009, 24 national Iceland’s winner of the 2009 European programme are great ways to recognise winners were named by their federations Athletics Women’s Leadership Award and Monica Barra, general co-ordinator of and promote women leaders in our and Thórdís Gísladóttir from Iceland was the 2010 European Athletics sport,” said European Athletics Council selected as the overall representative. Championships in Barcelona, addressed the member Dr Sylvia Barlag (NED), who will The three scholarship winners were Anna participants at the Women’s Leadership lead the 2011 awards process. “They are Linner (SWE), Ingrid Ness Rolland (NOR) Seminar in Evian. also important for increasing awareness and Ay¸segül Baklaci (TUR).

As in 2009, ERACOM, the Ecole Romande d’Art et de Communication, a highly ranked design school in Lausanne, Switzerland, will provide the artwork prize for the winners.

In January 2011, Gísladóttir, the three scholarship winners and 40 other women took part in a week-long Women’s Leadership Seminar in Evian, France, which was part of a European Union funded project entitled ‘Closing the Leadership Gender Gap in European Athletics’ and was led by the University of Lausanne.

The three scholarship winners also participated in the four-day European Athletics-UNESCO Young Leaders Forum, which was staged in conjunction with the 2010 European Athletics Championships in Barcelona and attracted more than 100 participants from 46 countries.

For further information see http:// www.european-athletics.org/womens- leadership-awards.html or contact Marie-Anne Midy at marie-anne.midy@ european-athletics.org.

The recipients of the inaugural European Athletics Women’s Leadership Awards (from left) Thórdís Lilja Gísladóttir from Iceland, Ildikó Dornbach from Hungary, Sirje Lippe of Estonia and Tatsiana Ledouskaja of Belarus.

INSIDE TRACK 2|11 Newsletter of European Athletics www.european-athletics.org 13 Your Sport for Life Director General’s State of the Sport Keeping track with the future of our sport

I recently attended Sportcal’s 20 Years of Sport conference in London’s Canary Wharf. After an engaging keynote lecture by sports marketing guru Patrick Nally on the changing sporting landscape over the past two decades or so, there followed a number of interesting panel discussions on the future of sports.

Topics included events, bidding and hosting; sponsors, brands and sports marketing; law and governance; sports entertainment and social media; and the internet media and technology.

There were some interesting and important points raised throughout the day by the experts present that tied in with what European Athletics is doing. An opening discussion on codes of conduct and ethics around bidding and events resonated with one of our most important values. We believe that a good ethical bidding process leads to a good event.

Indeed, the consensus that healthy events and healthy brands need healthy bidding processes tallies with our long- term planning (LTP) strategy. Most recently, we saw an excellent example of our robust bidding process that Gateshead We are under no illusions as to how a healthy LTP process with four candidates will be able to deliver one of our flagship powerful event entertainment, digital (Braunschweig, Germany; Bydgoszcz, events to the highest of standards. and social media are in helping us achieve Poland; Gateshead, Great Britain & N.I.; our objectives. We can’t ignore the fact and Ostrava, Czech Republic) competing Perhaps one of the most absorbing there are more than 200 million Twitter to host the 2013 European Athletics discussions was centered around television, users and over 600 million Facebook Team Championships. The finish line was social media and “entertainment” in all its users. And we cannot be unprepared for situated at the European Athletics Council guises. It is plain to see that athletics and a time in the not-too-distant future when meeting in Frankfurt in early June and the other sports are competing with all other “Connected TV” or “Smart TV” brings newly elected Council was reassured from types of entertainment to secure those to the living room a cinematic experience much sought after prime-time spots on that also allows interaction with what is television. happening on-screen and interaction with other viewers. Now, European Athletics is in an enviable position compared to others: during our This could fundamentally change the way European Athletics Championships we we consume sport. Research shows that are able to command prime-time slots. more and more people have the television With our long-term partnership with the on while doing something else – such European Broadcasting Union, we are as engaging with their social networks. guaranteed that this community of free- Bringing the two together I think may to-air broadcasters maintains its common be a landmark moment, and we need approach to our events. to ensure we are ready to embrace these exciting developments from the outset. But with the proliferation of secondary digital channels, more and more sports Technology is at the forefront of our content is being moved into an area that thinking when it comes to the development caters for much smaller audiences than of the second of our Twin Pillars. We mainstream channels. have a nascent Athletics Community website (www.athleticscommunity.org) Many sports, then, are beginning we are focusing on growing. We see the to address these changes, through community developing into a “shopping developing innovative entertainment mall” with different “shops” serving concepts and harnessing the power of members of the community. For now, European Athletics Director General Christian Milz social media platforms. we aim to recognise “Young Leaders” in

14 www.european-athletics.org Newsletter of European Athletics 2|11 INSIDE TRACK Director General’s State of the Sport e Lif or f t Spor our Y

their volunteering efforts and assist those undertaking athletics-related projects. We will develop other “shops” in the community, though, whether for people who take part in mass participation events, coaches, women in sport …

The European Athletics Youth Strategy approved by our recent Congress also recognises the overwhelming importance of a digital strategy in meeting the needs of youngsters in and around athletics, be it in high performance, leisure and school activities or through social values. Our commitment to mass participation in terms of the values of health and well- being also needs to take into account our strategy.

The European Athletics Congress in April brought about a renewed stability in our successful overall long-term strategy led by President Hansjörg Wirz. There will now be an even stronger investment and commitment in this strategy, with a plan to optimise our different committees, European Athletics Director General Christian Milz and Special Olympics Europe Eurasia commissions and working groups. Managing Director Mary Davis signed a partnership agreement in March.

There are many issues that require much more hard work in the future if we are European Athletics and to solve them. The European Athletics competition structure in terms of one-day Special Olympics Europe Eurasia meetings and the role of clubs needs to be further addressed. I also hope we can sign partnership agreement begin to make progress in tackling such a crucial issue as middle and long-distance running in Europe. European Athletics signed expand the Special Olympics movement a proclamation affirming in Europe and Eurasia, and we welcome Internally, we must look closer at ways to its support and affinity to the valued support of such a renowned support our Member Federations: a one- sporting organisation.” size strategy doesn’t fit all and we should Special Olympics Europe not treat them in the same way. We must Eurasia (SOEE), the European SOEE has signed protocols of agreement find a tailor-made approach to the issues mission of Special Olympics with major sport organisations, including and worries of our members. Following International. FIBA Europe, UEFA, European Union of on from this, an updated “Member Gymnastics, Tottenham Hotspur (English Federation support system” with a Premier League Club), the European solidarity programme and project support European Athletics Director General Tenpin Bowling Federation and Ligue (especially multi-member projects) will Christian Milz and SOEE Managing Europeenne de Natation. be thoroughly analysed in order to bring Director Mary Davis confirmed the about a suitable and helpful solution to partnership at the European Athletics Special Olympics International is the our members. headquarters in Lausanne, with both world’s largest sport program of year- organisations committing to promote round sport-training and athletics In all these areas, for European Athletics to their alliance via communication competitions for children and adults continue in its role as successful leaders, channels such as their websites, with intellectual disabilities. It has with an unstinting commitment to provide newsletters, publications and for provided training since it was created in the inspiration, aspiration, motivation and dedicated activities. 1968 and covers 32 official sports. The participation that defines our mission, and Special Olympics movement currently in order to provide governance that gives “I am extremely pleased to sign this thrives in more than 180 countries and confidence to our Member Federations, accord with Special Olympics Europe provides life-changing benefits through we must continue to embrace innovation Eurasia, with European Athletics programmes to more than 3.6 million and change. now fully committed to providing athletes with intellectual disabilities. the necessary support to such an Programmes implemented include the inspirational organisation,” said Milz. Athletes Leadership Program (ALP), Get Into It Program, Healthy Athletes Davis said, “This partnership between Program and Motor Activity Training SOEE and European Athletics is another Program. important milestone in our aims to

INSIDE TRACK 2|11 Newsletter of European Athletics www.european-athletics.org 15 Your Sport for Life COMING NEXT

Ostrava will provide the stepping stone to global success

This year’s European Athletics U23 Championships in the Czech city of Ostrava, which will be held from 14–17 July, will be the eighth edition of an event inaugurated in 1997. Ostrava 2011 mascots Atli and Otli

The rationale for the Championships, Champions from last summer’s European Championships after they have which are unique among the IAAF area Athletics Championships in Barcelona ceased to be teenagers. associations, was explained by the current who also tasted victory in Amsterdam 10 European Athletics president Hansjörg years ago or Bydgoszcz eight years back France’s Christophe Lemaitre, Wirz in 2001. include Belarus’ Nadezhda Ostapchuk, the 2010 European Athlete of Croatia’s Blanka Vlašic´ and Turkey’s Elvan the Year, could well make “It has proved necessary in European Abeylegesse. an appearance in Ostrava athletics today, to set up Championships while Azerbaijan’s Hayle for those athletes who have just left the Other soon-to-become household names Ibrahimov is expected junior category. Most of them are not yet among athletics fans who triumphed at to attempt to repeat the 5000m and ready for Olympic competition and so those two Championships before going 10000m double he achieved in the junior need an intermediate step to the top,” on to global success included: France’s ranks. commented Wirz, expressing sentiments Ladji Doucouré, Russia’s Yelena Isinbayeva which are still valid a decade later. and Sweden’s Christian Olsson. On the female side, emerging superstars like Russian long jumper Darya Klishina, A quick look through the list of winners, It is only necessary to turn back the clock the 2011 European Athletics Indoor especially those from the 2001 and 2003 two years, to the 2009 European Athletics Championships long jump winner and Championships, who should theoretically Junior Championships in Novi Sad, Serbia, Croatia’s Sandra Perkovic, the 2010 now be at the top of their profession, to see who might be in contention for a European Athletics Championships discus shows how many of the current gold medal in Ostrava. gold medallist and last year’s European generation of leading European athletes Athletics Rising Star of the Year, may try found the Championships an important European junior champions have an to add another gold medal to their rapidly stepping stone to the top of the podium established habit of also getting among expanding collection from continental in the senior ranks. the medals at European Athletics U23 championships, which started in Novi Sad.

Sirmais and Bengtsson among the teenage talent in Tallinn The 2011 European Athletics Junior Championships will be held in Estonia for the first time in its 41-year history, with the Baltic country’s capital city Tallinn playing host to around 1 200 teenage athletes, many of who will be experiencing international competition for the first time.

“Throughout each of the previous potential medal contenders only come to “My most important goal of the editions, we have had the cream of the fore a short time beforehand but one summer is the European Athletics Junior European junior athletic talent battling for name that already has established himself Championships. Another immediate supremacy in their age group and this year as a man to watch is the Latvian javelin objective is to improve my own world is sure to be not different,” said European thrower Zigismunds Sirmais junior record to, say 85 metres,” Athletics president Hansjörg Wirz. commented Sirmais in a recent interview. He stunned everybody when he threw a “They are characterised by an admirable world junior javelin record of 84.47m at Sirmais will doubtless be supported by competitiveness and consistently the 2011 European Cup Winter Throwing many friends and friends in Tallinn as they surprising results, which have in March, improving on the previous mark will only have a relatively short journey of contributed to making these of 83.87m that had been set by Norway’s a few hundred kilometres to reach the biennial Championships a reigning Olympic, world and European city from his home over the border in highlight on the European champion Andreas Thorkildsen back in neighbouring Latvia. Athletics calendar,” he 2001. added. Sweden’s pole vault prodigy Angelica The achievement led to Sirmais being Bengtsson, the 2010 Youth Olympic Predictions are always voted as European Athlete of the Month Games gold medallist, could potentially difficult about whofor March and, at 18, he became the be the female star of the Championships will succeed at the youngest man to receive such an accolade after she set world junior records during European Athletics Junior since the honour was introduced at the the indoor season, culminating in a Championships as many start of 2007. clearance of 4.63m.

16 www.european-athletics.org Newsletter of European Athletics 2|11 INSIDE TRACK