The European Team Championships got underway in spectacular style as Day one unfolded beneath the grandeur of Madrid’s Royal Palace.
A packed crowd gathered for the pole vault showcase, the first event of the competition, and it delivered early drama, national records, and crucial points on the leaderboard.
The women’s pole vault opened the evening in searing heat. Czech Republic’s Amálie Švábíková rose to the occasion, clearing 4.65m to clinch the win and valuable points for her team. Ukraine’s Maryna Kylypko also cleared 4.65m, equaling her best mark in four years and giving her country a strong start.
Poland’s Zofia Gaborska and Spain’s Monica Clemente both cleared 4.30m, the latter earning roars from the home crowd with a season’s best. Great Britain’s Gemma Tutton recorded a new personal best of 4.45m, and Lithuania’s Rugile Miklyciute broke her national record with a 4.30m clearance.
Men’s Event
When the men’s event took over, the intensity only grew. Dutch star Menno Vloom underlined his top billing, becoming the only athlete to clear 5.80m. Poland’s Piotr Lisek followed with 5.70m, while personal bests came from Matej Šcerba (Czechia), Márton Böndör (Hungary), and Urho Kujanpää (Finland), all also at 5.70m.
Spain’s Juan Luis Bravo added to the home excitement with a clearance of 5.60m, finishing seventh overall. There was disappointment, though, for Greece’s Olympic bronze medalist Emmanuel Karalis, who withdrew during warm-up due to foot discomfort.
Standings
- Czechia – 29.5
- Netherlands – 26.5
- Ukraine – 26.5
- Hungary – 22.5
- Switzerland – 20
- Italy – 20
- Great Britain & NI – 20
- Poland – 19.5
- Spain – 17
- Finland – 16
- France – 13.5
- Sweden – 11.5
- Greece – 10.
- Lithuania – 8
- Portugal – 5
- Germany – 2
At the other end, Lithuania, Portugal, and Germany find themselves in the relegation zone heading into the main competition.
Full events now shift to Vallehermoso Stadium, where the championships continue from Friday through Sunday.
