Five athletes from the South West region have been named among the 98-strong Novuna Great Britain and Northern Ireland (GB & NI) squad set to compete at the European Athletics Championships in Birmingham from 10 to 16 August.
Representing a strong South West presence, Innes Fitzgerald from Beer in Devon will race in the women’s 5000m, while Poppy Tank of Plymouth is selected for the 10,000m event. Elise Thorner from Somerset, who recently earned a Commonwealth Games silver medal, will contest the 3000m steeplechase. Aleeya Sibbons, based in Bath, has been chosen for the women’s 4x100m relay squad. Bristol athletes Ben Jefferies and Will Battershill will compete in the men’s 400m and 3000m steeplechase respectively.
This year marks the debut of the European Athletics Championships on British soil, with Alexander Stadium in Birmingham hosting the event. The selection underlines the aim of strengthening GB & NI’s position as a key athletics powerhouse in Europe by fielding a team capable of medal-winning performances and offering vital championship experience to the next wave of talent.
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Notably, the Novuna GB & NI team will participate in all relay races, including the mixed 4x100m relay, which is making its first appearance at the Championships. The women’s 4x100m relay team enters the competition as the reigning champions.
Performance Director Paula Dunn commented:
“Congratulations to all the athletes selected to represent Novuna Great Britain & Northern Ireland at this summer’s European Championships. Competing at a major championship is always a great achievement, made even more special by the event being held on home soil at Alexander Stadium, a venue familiar to many of these athletes.
This team showcases the depth and strength of talent across track and field in the UK, combining experienced international medallists with a promising group of emerging competitors.
Performing in front of family, friends, and passionate British supporters offers a unique opportunity that the team will undoubtedly embrace. Hosting a home championship allows us to highlight the very best of our sport, inspire future generations, and create unforgettable moments for the nation.
We extend our thanks to the athlete support teams, coaches, families, friends, and National Lottery players whose enduring support is vital to the success of both elite and grassroots athletics in this country.
I am confident that this team will rise to the occasion and represent Great Britain & Northern Ireland with pride in Birmingham this summer.”
The full Novuna Great Britain and Northern Ireland team includes athletes across all track and field disciplines, with competitors drawn from clubs nationwide. The selection reflects a blend of established stars and new talents, aiming for strong performances throughout the Championships.