European Athletics Championships: Massimo Stano wins gold in the race walk marathon, setting a new European record

Massimo Stano has won gold in the race walk marathon at the European Athletics Championships in Birmingham. The athlete from Puglia beat Spain’s Miguel Ángel López. Bronze went to France’s Quinion. Riccardo Orsoni finished fifth.

Stano crossed the line, wearing a straw hat, in 2:56.49: it is the new European record and the world’s fastest time this season, the second-fastest performance of all time. The Italian finished 8’ ahead of Lopez (2:56.57”). Quinion finished further back in 2:59.29; looking particularly exhausted, he required medical attention after crossing the line.

‘I’m absolutely delighted because I usually can’t seem to get myself going and get as fired up at the European Championships as I do at world championships. But this European Championships was different for me, partly because Rome has left a lasting impression on me, so I came to Birmingham with the aim of winning the third gold medal I was missing, completing this collection and adding my name alongside those of Cova and Tamberi, who have won in all the summer events.” So said Massimo Stano on Raidue, gold medallist in the race walk marathon at the European Athletics Championships in Birmingham. “I’m satisfied, partly because I’m getting on a bit. I’ve got my fair share of niggles, but luckily I’ve got two physiotherapists who are absolute angels – because I’m an incredible pain in the neck. That’s the truth. And I have a brilliant coach. The experience here was crucial. It was really tough – I don’t know how they manage to approve routes like that – but today nothing and no one could stop me. I was focused on this goal. It was one of the most wonderful feelings ever,” the Italian athlete continued. “The only thing I did was get my One Piece cap ready because, for superstition’s sake, I’d never wanted to wear it before. I said to myself, ‘I want to celebrate this huge achievement with my captain, Luffy’,” he emphasised.