8-11 July 2021 OFFICIAL PROGRAMME tallinn2021.ee Table of contents Welcome Message from the Interim President of European Athletics 4 Welcome Message from LOC President and the President of Estonian Athletics Association 6 Welcome message from the Mayor of Tallinn 8 About Tallinn 10 About Estonia 12 Participating Countries 14 Venue plan 16 Timetable 18 The Stars 20 Team Estonia 22 Maskot 25 U23 European Records 26 U23 Championships Records 28 Kadriorg Stadium Records 30 Tallinn 2015 U23 Championship Medallists 32 SPAR, SUPPORTING LOCAL SUPPLIERS AND INDEPENDENT RETAILERS SINCE 1932 AND PROUD PRINCIPAL SPONSOR OF EUROPEAN ATHLETICS SINCE 1996 3 Welcome Message from the Interim President of European Athletics On behalf of European Athletics, I am very This group of athletes, and a number of pleased to welcome everyone to the 13th edition others who competed on that occasion, have of the European Athletics U23 Championships. progressed admirably and have a chance to stand on the podium at the Olympic Games in Estonia has been a very welcoming and Tokyo in the next few weeks. generous host of several of our age group championships in recent years and it is always a In similar fashion, I expect many of the pleasure to be come back to Tallinn. participants here this week to also make an impact on the global and continental stages I should add a particular note of thanks at the of our sport in the years to come. History outset to the Estonian Athletic Federation – Eesti tells us a few are likely to be among the major Kergejõustikuliidu – and all their local partners, championships medals as soon as the Munich particularly the City of Tallinn, for stepping in 2022 European Athletics Championships next at short notice and agreeing to stage this event year. with just a few months to prepare after the original hosts were unable to do so because of I have mentioned this above, but I am happy to coronavirus pandemic restrictions. say it again, European Athletics is very grateful to the Estonian Athletic Federation, the city of Staging to back-to-back events, with the Tallinn as well as all the officials and volunteers European Athletics U20 Championships with the Local Organising Committee for all also here next week, is no easy task but the their hard work and commitment to staging this enthusiasm and experience of the Local event. Organising Committee means that I have every confidence both events will be hugely successful I wish everyone an enjoyable and memorable and generate many fond memories both on and event but, most of all, a safe championships. off the track. Dobromir Karamarinov This event returns to Tallinn after a gap of six European Athletics Interim President years, so it has the honour of being the first city to stage these championships twice since they were inaugurated in 1997. The original purpose of establishing these championships was to bridge the gap between U20 and senior competition for Europe’s leading athletes and they have certainly achieved that objective over the last 24 years. Looking back at the results from 2015 when these championships were last in Tallinn, we can see that the list of winners included Poland’s Patryk Dobek, Croatia’s Filip Mihaljevic, Germany’s Malaika Mihambo and Christin Hussong and Hungary’s Xenia Krizsan. 4 Welcome Message from LOC President and the President of the Estonian Athletics Association Dear fans of athletics, It is with great joy I welcome you to Tallinn, been producing TV-series of youth athletics which will be the centre of attention for competition called “TV 10 Olympic Starts” for all athletics fans across Europe almost for the last 50 years. Under the eyes of a large two consecutive weeks. As a culmination of TV audience, many stars of Estonian athletics European athletics outdoor season, over 2000 have risen from this competition. All World, athletes will be gathering here to take part of European and Estonian Athletics championships the U23 European Championships July 8-11, and have always been broadcasted live on the U20 European Championships July 15-18. It is Estonian TV. The Estonian National TV (ETV) is a historical moment to stage such high-level broadcasting both the U23 and U20 European events back-to-back in one city – Estonia and Championships live as well. Tallinn have been given this opportunity and we give our best to make both events successful Estonian athletics fans appreciate a good event, and memorable for everyone. strong competition and outstanding results. Of course, expectations are especially high for good These two championships will each bring results, focusing on the performances of the more than 1000 finest and most enthusiastic Estonian athletes. However, a warm atmosphere European athletes from over 45 countries to and supportive applause are promised for the Kadriorg Stadium. Among them, there are everyone. surely Olympic Champions of tomorrow. Looking back at 2011 U20 Championships and 2015 U23 All athletics fans will be able to enjoy the Championships that were both staged in Tallinn, competitions either on-site, through live TV, or we can see that many world-class athletes of internet. The newly renovated Kadriorg Stadium today had their first victories and successes at is ready and the organising team is eager to start our Stadium. the championships! Expectations are high – everyone expects Welcome to Tallinn! memorable competitions, outstanding results, new records and rising stars. We promise Erich Teigamägi to provide a warm welcome to delegations, The President of LOC and the Estonian Athletics excellent competition venue and wish that all Association will have fond memories on and off the track. The Kadriorg Stadium, established in 1926, is rich in traditions and records. At this venue many World Records have been set and numerous high-level international and national competitions have been held, creating long- lasting memories for the fans. The National Stadium of Estonian athletics is once again ready to host high-level international competitions where historic performances and top results will be made. Athletics has always been a very popular sport in Estonia. The Estonian National TV (ETV) has 6 Welcome Message from the Mayor of Tallinn Dear European athletics family We would especially like to thank the Estonian Athletics Association which has done an excellent Welcome to Tallinn, welcome to Estonia! job of organizing these championships. We have no doubt that they will offer a very well and It is a great honor and also a tremendous smoothly organized competition for you. responsibility for us to host the U23 and U20 European Championships, which bring best We wish all of you a pleasant stay here in Tallinn. young athletes from around the Europe to If you do not have the possibility to venture Tallinn. into the Tallinn old town this time, then please be sure to come back as Tallinn has so much to Due to the corona pandemic these last seasons offer. have been difficult for all of us and this has been a big challenge for everyone. The virus Good luck for the competitions! has limited our travel opportunities and made it complicated to organize the trainings and Mihhail Kõlvart competitions. I hope that critical times are over Mayor of Tallinn and normality will be restored soon. Athletes and sports organizations are strong and adaptable which helps to ensure development even in unstable conditions. And for that very reason, we are sure that this year’s both championships will be extraordinary events that will be remembered by great results and great organization. 8 Welcome to Tallinn Medieval Old Town, City of colourful contrasts City arful contrasts Tallinn is the capital of Estonia, the population of a UNESCO World Heritage site Tallinn is no metropolis, but it has many unique Tallinn is no metropolis, but it has many unique which is approximately 426 000 people. Tallinn experiences to offer. The different districts of experiences to offer. The different districts of is a cosy capital with clean air and a relaxed A UNESCO World Heritage site, Tallinn’s Old Tallinn are beautifully distinct. Walking from one Tallinn are beautifully distinct. Walking from one vibe, but it’s also a modern evolving city that will Town is a fairy tale come to life. Here you may to another can feel as if you have travelled to an to another can feel as if you have travelled to an never be finished. find the oldest continually operating apothecary entirely new city. entirely new city. in Europe, the St Olaf’s church, what was once Historical and cultural legacies from different the world’s tallest building, Northern Europe’s Next to the medieval Old Town is Kalamaja, Next to the medieval Old Town is Kalamaja, eras contrast with its vibrant and creative urban mightiest defensive wall and system of towers once home to fishermen and factory workers, once home to fishermen and factory workers, environment. Tallinn enchants with its medieval dating to the Middle Ages, and one of the best- and the former industrial districts of Telliskivi, and the former industrial districts of Telliskivi, Old Town, included in the UNESCO World preserved Gothic town halls. The first public Noblessner and Rotermann – all of which are Noblessner and Rotermann – all of which are Heritage List, varied districts and rich urban Christmas tree in Europe was also erected in now culture and design hubs. now culture and design hubs. nature. A lively, year-round cultural scene and Tallinn. The Baroque palace of Kadriorg and its culinary delights inspired by local traditions and surrounding park, commissioned by Czar Nordic cuisine add further layers of interest. Peter the Great, attract visitors with their luscious greenery, intimate cafés and grand art museums.