European Athletics Awards
European athletics is in a good place, with several of this year’s outstanding European athletes. At last weekend’s award ceremony, the Men’s European Athlete of the Year was Armand Duplantis, and the women’s winner was Yaroslava Mahuchikh.
Mondo Duplantis defends his European title, photo by European Athletics via Getty Images,
I was in Paris (Diamond League) when Yaroslava broke that long-standing high jump world record. I need more space to list the events that I’ve attended. Mondo broke the world record! Despite the achievements of Keely Hodgkinson and Femke Bol, it is hard to argue with the nomination of Yaroslava. About Mondo, has there ever been an athlete who has achieved such excellence consistently?
Yaroslava Mahuchikh’s WR of 2.10 meters! photo by Diamond League AG
The women’s Rising Star was Adriana Vilagos from Serbia. At just 20, she was second in the 2024Diamond League final and took silver in the European Championships. She also won the world under-20 championship in 2021 and 2022.
Adriana Villegos and Neils Laros are Golden Tracks EAA Rising Stars of Year 2024, photo by Getty Images for European Athletics
Men’s Rising Star was Niels Laros (Netherlands), who ran 3:29.54 for sixth place in the 2024 Olympic 1500m.
Niels Laros is Golden Tracks Rising Star for 2024, photo: Getty Images for European Athletics
A very special award, Team Spirit Recognition Award went to Team Italy for their performance as hosts in the Roma 2024 European Athletics Championships, where Italy won 24 medals (11 gold). Coaching Award went to Dragutin Topic (SRB) and Derdi Vilagos (SRB)
Golden Tracks European Athletics Coaching Awards, photo: Getty Images for European Athletics