Spanish distance runner Marta García won the silver medal in the 5,000 metres at the European Athletics Championships in Birmingham after upgrading her bronze from two years ago in Rome. She delivered the performance following a difficult summer season disrupted by severe physical issues.
García suffered unbearable lower back pain in April that forced her to stop training completely. Her preparation for Birmingham started in reverse as she gradually built back her pace according to her physical limits. She recovered her form over the following weeks and confirmed her readiness at the Spanish Championship.
Standing at the start line in Birmingham, García smiled broadly and made a heart gesture to the crowd. After securing second place, she said on Teledeporte that everyone in Spain needed to believe in themselves just like in the World Championship.
Tactical 5,000m final
The 12.5-lap final lasted just over 15 minutes and settled into a slow pace early on. Kosovar runner Bakraçi took an early lead before abandoning the race at the halfway mark. García remained in the middle of the pack throughout the early stages to save energy, noting afterwards that the men's race had inspired her strategy.
The slow tempo kept the pack tightly bunched together, increasing the risk of bumps and clashing elbows. García made her first move at 2,700 metres to pick up the pace. By the 3,000-metre mark, she was running alongside race favourite Nadia Battocletti of Italy.
Battocletti surged to break open the field before slowing down, causing the runners to stretch out and bunch back together like an accordion. Dutch athlete Koster then made a sustained pace change with barely one kilometre remaining. García stayed close behind as ten runners entered the final lap together at the bell.
Battocletti made her decisive push with 250 metres remaining to claim the gold medal. García followed her across the line to take silver, while Italian runner Majori took bronze. Spain completed a strong team performance with María Forero placing eighth and Idaira Prieto finishing ninth.
Men's long jump final
The European Athletics Championships also featured a historic men's long jump final with three Spanish athletes among the 12 competitors. However, difficult wind conditions prevented the Spanish jumpers from reaching the medal positions.
Eusebio Cáceres finished as the top Spaniard in seventh place with a jump of 7.92 metres. Jaime Guerra finished ninth with 7.73 metres, while Lester Lescay took tenth place with 7.72 metres.
Greek athlete Tentoglou won gold in the long jump with a mark of 8.44 metres. Swiss jumper Ehammer took silver with 8.29 metres, and Bulgarian athlete Saraboyukov claimed bronze with 8.26 metres.
