2026 European Athletics Championships: There’s a development that could change the medal count

Italy has already made history at the 2026 European Athletics Championships in Birmingham, finishing the event at the top of the medal count with 10 gold, 6 silver, and 6 bronze medals. However, Italy’s medal tally could still change a few days after the conclusion of the competitions.

At the center of the controversy is German sprinter Owen Ansah, gold medalist in the 200-meter dash and bronze medalist in the 100-meter dash. The NADA has requested a four-year suspension for him. At this time, however, no final decision has been made. The case must be reviewed by the German Sports Arbitration Court, and in the absence of a provisional suspension, Ansah was able to compete in Birmingham as an independent athlete.

A suspension would also have consequences for Italy’s medal tally. In the 200-meter race, Fausto Desalu finished third with a time of 20.26 seconds, right behind the German runner. The annulment of Ansah’s result would therefore allow the Italian athlete to move up to second place, turning the bronze medal he won on the track into a silver. Great Britain would also benefit, with Zharnel Hughes moving into first place and receiving the gold.

The change, however, would not alter the overall outcome of the competition. If Ansah were disqualified, Italy would in fact rise to 10 golds, 7 silvers, and 5 bronzes. Great Britain would gain one gold, reaching 10, and would have 7 silvers, but would remain at 2 bronzes.

The medal-counting criteria would therefore continue to favor the Italians: with the same number of gold and silver medals, Italy would retain first place thanks to its higher number of bronze medals. The ruling regarding Ansah could therefore alter Italy’s medal tally, without, however, affecting the lead it secured in Birmingham.