Eleni Iakovouki nominated for European Athletics Rising Star award

Greek athlete Eleni Iakovouki has been named one of the 10 nominees for the European Athletics Rising Star of the Year award for 2026. Iakovouki, the U18 European champion in the 400m and a U20 World Championship bronze medalist in the 400m hurdles, joins a shortlist of elite young talent.

The three finalists across all four award categories—European Athlete of the Year and Rising Star for both men and women—will be announced starting October 1. The final winners will be revealed at the Golden Tracks awards ceremony in Lausanne on October 24.

Selection is determined by an equal distribution of votes: 25% from the public, 25% from member federations, 25% from media representatives, and 25% from the European Athletics expert committee.