Italian sprinter Filippo Tortu and middle‑distance runner Marta Zenoni pull out of 2026 European Athletics Championships

The Italian Athletics Federation announced that sprinter Filippo Tortu will not compete at the 2026 European Athletics Championships in Birmingham after a muscle‑elongation injury. He will instead concentrate on recovery for the upcoming Mediterranean Games, where he is slated to be Italy’s flag‑bearer.

Middle‑distance runner Marta Zenoni also withdrew because of a tendon injury that delayed the start of her season. Her absence, together with Tortu’s, reduces Italy’s squad from 132 to 130 athletes. The championships are scheduled for 10‑16 August 2026 at Alexander Stadium in the United Kingdom.