European Championships are 'massive' for Birmingham

The first European Athletics Championships to be held in Birmingham was "absolutely massive" for the city, the CEO of UK Athletics has said.

Jack Buckner said the competition, which gets under way at Alexander Stadium later, would help relive memories of the 2022 Commonwealth Games and "bring that place to life in the way it's meant to be".

He described the stadium as one of the best athletics tracks in Europe and the "jewel in the crown" of athletics in the country.

"To do it for the first time and to do it in Birmingham is brilliant," he said. "It's great for our athletes, it's great for the city."

Buckner said European Athletics was "on a high" and the Alexander Stadium had an "incredible atmosphere".

"Nothing was off the table as far as Birmingham's concerned," he added, following London's bid to host the World Athletics Championships in 2029.

"The city should be ambitious, not just around athletics," he said.

"There's plenty of other events that could be hosted here."

It is the first time the championships are being held in Great Britain, with more than 1,500 athletes set to descend on the city from 10-16 August.

Athletes from 49 nations will compete for 50 gold medals, with Britain fielding a team of 96 athletes.

Among the British stars bidding for gold is Wolverhampton-born Matt Hudson-Smith, who will be competing in front of his own stand on Wednesday in the men's 400m.

"To bring it home in front of his home crowd, would be absolutely fantastic," Buckner added.

Meanwhile, Olympic bronze medallist Katharine Merry said she wished she was still competing, such was the lure of the venue.

"I miss it so much, my first ever athletics was at Alexander Stadium when I was about 10 years old," the former athlete said.

"And when you see the British athletes, on the British tracks, it does take you back."

Merry, from Dunchurch, Warwickshire, praised the stadium and said it was "brilliant".

"It's not by chance that the first time the European Championships come to the UK... they come to Birmingham, because we do a great job," she said.

She added she was also looking forward to watching Olympic 400m silver medallist Hudson-Smith compete.

"I cannot wait - he's got his family with him, his little baby has travelled from America for the first time... Hopefully he can deliver a gold," she said.

"We are ready to rock and roll... it's going to be spectacular."

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