Irish athletes are making their mark at the 2026 European Athletics Championships in Birmingham, with standout performances across various events.
The 2026 European Athletics Championships in Birmingham, England, have kicked off with a strong Irish contingent making their presence felt. From August 10 to 16, over 1,600 athletes from more than 50 nations are competing at the prestigious Alexander Stadium.
Ireland is well-represented, with athletes aiming to secure top honors in various disciplines.
The championships began with a flurry of activity on Monday, August 10, and continued with intense competition on Tuesday, August 11. The Irish team has been preparing rigorously for this event, and their efforts are already paying off.
The action-packed schedule includes a mix of track and field events, with Irish athletes showcasing their skills and determination.
Morning Session Highlights on Wednesday, August 12
Wednesday, August 12, promises to be an exciting day for Irish athletics. The morning session features several key events.
Sophie Becker will compete in the opening round of the women’s 400m at 11:05 am. Following her, Rhasidat Adeleke and Lauren Roy will take to the track for the first round of the women’s 200m at 11:40 am. Adeleke, who qualified late for these championships, is expected to deliver a strong performance. Roy, who previously competed in the 100m on Monday, will also be a key player in this event.
In the men’s 800m, Mark English who won his heat on Monday, will compete in the semi-finals at 12:20 pm. English’s performance will be closely watched as he aims to advance to the final rounds. The morning session sets the stage for an action-packed evening, with more Irish athletes poised to make their mark.
Evening Session Showdowns on Wednesday, August 12
The evening session on Wednesday, August 12, will feature more thrilling competitions. Nicola Tuthill will compete in the women’s hammer final at 7:45 pm, a crucial event for Ireland. Depending on the results from the morning session, Adeleke and Roy could also compete in the semi-finals of the women’s 200m at 8:20 pm. Their performances will be pivotal in determining Ireland’s success in this event.
The championships have seen a strong showing from Irish athletes across various disciplines. Kate O’Connor a world outdoor silver medallist, will make her senior European outdoor championship debut in the heptathlon. O’Connor’s campaign begins with the 100m hurdles on Friday morning, August 14. Other notable athletes include Sarah Healy the European indoor 3000m champion, who is entered in both the 1500m and 5000m events. Healy’s first appearance of the week is set for Tuesday evening’s 5000m final.
Key Performances and Notable Mentions
The Irish team has a robust presence in several events. In the men’s 5000m, Darragh McElhinneyNick Griggs and Brian Fay will compete in the final on Monday evening. The men’s 1500m will see Andrew Coscoran and Cathal Doyle leading the charge. Additionally, Bori Akinola who has lowered his 100m personal best to 10.19 seconds this season, will make his individual European Championships debut.
The women’s 100m will feature Ciara Neville the back-to-back national senior 100m champion, while Fionnuala McCormack a five-time Olympian, will compete in the marathon on Saturday. The championships offer a platform for these athletes to showcase their talents and contribute to Ireland’s success on the international stage.
The 2026 European Athletics Championships continue to be a stage for exceptional performances and fierce competition. With all seven days of action available live across RTÉ television, RTÉ Player, and Eurovision Sport, fans can follow the Irish team’s journey as they strive for glory in Birmingham.
