English Woman's Journal - Palmisano hands Italy perfect Euro start with race walk victory

Palmisano hands Italy perfect Euro start with race walk victory


Palmisano hands Italy perfect Euro start with race walk victory
Palmisano hands Italy perfect Euro start with race walk victory / Photo: Andreas SOLARO - AFP

Antonella Palmisano handed Italy the perfect start as hosts of the European athletics championships by winning the opening medal event, the 20km race walk, on Friday.

Change text size:

The 32-year-old reigning Olympic champion timed 1hr 28min 09sec around a stunning course in roasting conditions that saw many race walkers using ice packs around their necks.

Palmisano dominated the circuits of the Stadio dei Marmi, the warm-up stadium in Rome's Olympic complex surrounded by 60 four-metre (13ft) tall classical marble statues of athletes dating back to Italy's Fascist era under Benito Mussolini.

Lapping rivals at will, Palmisano finished with a celebratory lap in the Stadio Olimpico, draped in an Italian flag, to wild cheering from a small crowd.

There was an Italian 1-2 as Valentina Trapletti claimed silver in 1:28.37.

Spain's Laura Garcia-Caro thought she would be rounding out the podium, but celebrated too soon and was edged at the line by Ukraine's Lyudmila Olyanovska in a photo finish.

D.Findlay--EWJ

Featured

Paul George Scores 36 as Celtics Defeat Sixers 123-101 to Take East Lead

The Boston Celtics claimed first place in the Eastern Conference on Tuesday night, defeating the Philadelphia 76ers 123-101 at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Paul George led all scorers with 36 points in his return to Philadelphia, while a decisive third-quarter run extended Boston's lead and dropped the Sixers to second place.

Mets President David Stearns Expresses Confidence in Marcus Semien's Motivation

New York Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns has identified Marcus Semien’s self-motivation as the primary factor in his potential recovery from an underwhelming debut season. Speaking at the general managers meetings in Las Vegas, Stearns affirmed that the team remains confident in Semien’s ability to improve, even as they evaluate other infield options for next year.

FA Cup Second-Round Draw Confirmed for Non-League and Midlands Clubs

The FA Cup second-round draw has been finalized, setting up crucial ties for non-league teams aiming to reach the third round proper. Several clubs from the Midlands, including Burton Albion and Kidderminster Harriers, have secured their next opponents following recent victories over lower-league opposition.

Panthers expected to begin 2027 NRL season away from new stadium

The new Penrith Stadium is expected to be ready in time for the opening round of the 2027 NRL season, but it’s still likely the Panthers is expected to be on the road for their early matches. There is no delay to the build of the new $309 million venue but there’s a lack of appetite for risk around weather delays through the summer.

Change text size: