Slovenian and Czech athletes claim gold at European U18 Championships in Rieti

At the European Under‑18 athletics championships in Rieti, Italy, Slovenia’s Živa Remic won the 800 metres, securing the nation’s first ever gold medal at the competition. She said she had set a clear goal to win gold and expressed relief after the pressure of public expectations.

Czech hurdler Linda Botková captured gold in the 400 metre hurdles with a time of 55.19 seconds, making her the second‑fastest U18 performer in history after Sydney McLaughlin‑Levrone. Botková described the moment as emotional – her coach was moved to tears and she herself broke down in tears after seeing the result. She also earned a bronze medal in the team relay later that day.

Other Slovenian athletes also featured, with Oriana Lovrec taking bronze in the hammer throw and Klara Lukan achieving a European record in the 10 km road race earlier in the season.