Alex Schwazer, decision on European marching championships prompts debate
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No European Championships for Alex Schwazer: this was announced by the same South Tyrolean marcher reached by phone by Ansa: “The technical director of the national athletics team, Antonio Latorre, has just informed me that I will not be summoned for Birmingham.” A few days after the record in the marathon marathon signed at 41 years old, the South Tyrolean tries, however, to look beyond disappointment: “I’m not going to be controversial.”
“Latorre explained to me that the Federation has chosen to convene the first three Italians ranked in the World Cup and it is a decision that I respect.” No backward step, however, on a personal level: “As far as I’m concerned, I will continue marching.”
The European Championships in Birmingham, scheduled for Aug. 10-16 at Alexander Stadium, represent a top event for continental athletics: more than 1,500 athletes from more than 50 countries will compete in all major Olympic disciplines. The march will award medals in four events, two men’s and two women’s, over the half-marathon and marathon distances, with the road events taking place in Birmingham’s city center. The affair is part of an extraordinary human and sporting journey.
Schwazer, Olympic champion in the 50 km at Beijing 2008, had made his symbolic return to competition on July 19, 2024 in Arco di Trento, before continuing as an amateur athlete.
