Shocking Injury at the European Championships: Mattia Furlani Ends Up in a Wheelchair
The European Athletics Championships get off to the worst possible start for the Italian team. Mattia Furlani, one of the most highly anticipated athletes on the Italian squad, is forced to end his long jump competition immediately. The world champion from Rieti suffered an injury during the qualifying round at Alexander Stadium and left the venue in a wheelchair. It was 11:50 a.m. local time—12:50 p.m. in Italy—when Furlani stepped onto the runway as the last athlete in Group B. To advance directly to Tuesday night’s final, he would need a jump of 8.15, but a spot in the final should be within reach with a significantly shorter distance. The 21-year-old from Fiamme Oro, however, arrived at the event with many unknowns.
Since May 23, when he suffered an injury to his right quadriceps in Xiamen, China, Furlani had competed only once—on July 10 in Monte Carlo—finishing eighth with a jump of 8.01. A performance far below his usual standards. Even on the eve of the European Championships, he had admitted to feeling uncertain precisely because of his lack of competition under his belt. The run-up began as always—fast and characterized by very high knees. The takeoff was good, with just a 4.5-centimeter margin from the takeoff board. Then, during the flight phase, something snapped.
Furlani curled up and landed awkwardly in the sand. He struggles to get back up and immediately puts a hand on his right thigh—the very one already affected by the injury. With a gesture of his arms, he immediately signals that he cannot continue. The jump measures 7.73, which is still insufficient for qualification. But the result immediately takes a back seat. Furlani seems to signal that he cannot continue, and after about ten minutes, he leaves the runway wearing a T-shirt over his competition singlet. Two staff members accompany him out of the stadium in a wheelchair.
His face is somber; his hand remains under his leg, as if to protect it. At his side are his mother and coach Khaty, as well as Antonella Ferrario, the national team’s doctor. Medical tests will determine the extent of the problem, but the fear is that Furlani’s 2026 season may have ended in the most bitter way possible. If he is sidelined, it would also bring an end to an impressive streak: seven consecutive medals won at major international competitions. At just 21 years old, however, the talent of the Rieti native remains unquestionable, and there will certainly be other opportunities to return to winning ways.
