The Rome 2024 European Athletics Championships marked an exceptional debut, with high-level performances, top event ratings and overwhelming enthusiasm at the Foro Italico. This weekend saw athletics and the Italians as protagonists, aiming for an unprecedented medal haul.
Medal record for Italy
Italy is dominating the medal table with 13 medals: 7 gold, 5 silver and 1 bronze. A haul never achieved in the previous 25 editions of the European Championships, surpassing the previous record of 12 medals and 5 golds in Split in 1990.
Public celebrating at the Foro Italico
The turnout of the public was extraordinary, in parallel with the brilliant performances of the Italian athletes. Ticket presales exceeded 120,000 units, with around 40,000 spectators present at the Olympic Stadium for the magical Saturday of Italian athletics. The Fan Village and the Medal Plaza, set up in the Piazza della Fontana della Sfera at the Foro Italico, were also crowded for the awards. Great anticipation for the awards ceremony this evening at 11.20pm, with Marcell Jacobs, Chituru Ali (historic double in the 100 meters) and Mattia Furlani (silver in the long jump). At 7.20pm, Lorenzo Simonelli, winner of the 110 meters hurdles, will be celebrated on stage.
The media coverage was massive: 41 TV and radio broadcasters, supported by 625 technical operators and 725 accredited journalists and photographers. The first television data confirm great interest: RAI 2 recorded an average audience of over 2.2 million, with peaks of 2.5 million and a share of 17%. On Sky Sport HD, Saturday’s evening session attracted 1 million contacts, with peaks of 350 thousand viewers for the shot put final and 319 thousand for the men’s 100 metres. In Germany, ZDF reached 3.1 million viewers with a share of 16.4%, while in Finland, YLE TV recorded a record 56%.
Technical performance of the highest level
8 European Championship records were set, 15 national records (including 5 Italian) and Mattia Furlani’s Under 20 world and European record in the long jump. Furthermore, there were 2 world best performances of the year and 3 European ones. Already 102 personal bests have been recorded, including 15 by Italians.
The Sphere Fountain Comes Back to Life at the Foro Italico
The Sphere Fountain at the Foro Italico began functioning again on the occasion of the opening of the Rome 2024 European Athletics Championships, after an important redevelopment and renovation project. The fountain, historical symbol of the Foro Italico, thus returns to its ancient splendor. Built in 1934, the fountain represents the relationship between classicism and modernity, with a large marble sphere suspended on the jets of a tub of water. Originally designed to refresh athletes, today it is the epicenter of the Medal Plaza, where the opening ceremony and awards will be held. The square, iconic for athletes and visitors to the Foro Italico Park, is a unique place where sport, art, history, culture and nature come together.
The show continues until Wednesday
After this morning’s shows (gold-silver double by Yeman Crippa and Pietro Riva in the half marathon and over 4 thousand amateur runners in the Roma10K race), Gianmarco Tamberi’s first jumps have arrived at the Olimpico. “Gimbo” qualified for Tuesday evening’s high jump final, in the presence of the President of the Republic Sergio Mattarella. In the same session, Femke Bol will be the protagonist in the 400 meters hurdles. Tomorrow the 200 and 400 meter specialists will be competing, while on Wednesday there will be the grand finale with the 4×100 and 4×400 relays and the Swedish pole vault phenomenon Armand Duplantis. Participation is also growing thanks to the promotion that allows under 18s and their companions to attend the evening sessions for just 5 euros.
