Italy's sprint star Filippo Tortu has withdrawn from the European Athletics Championships in Birmingham, scheduled for August 10–16, due to a muscle elongation injury sustained during training. The decision, made jointly with the Italian Athletics Federation (FIDAL) coaching staff, leaves a gap in Italy's relay squad but redirects Tortu's focus to a home-soil priority: the Mediterranean Games in Taranto, where he will serve as co-flag-bearer at the opening ceremony on August 21.
The Withdrawal
Tortu acknowledged the decision in a federation statement, explaining that his current physical condition wouldn't allow him to compete at the level required for a major championship. The muscle elongation, while not career-threatening, requires conservative recovery management. Pushing too hard on explosive sprint work risks more serious injury, a calculation FIDAL's medical team deemed too risky given the demands of relay exchanges at championship level.
Italy's Sprint Team Adapts
With Tortu sidelined, the relay lineup reshuffles around Marcell Jacobs, who remains the cornerstone of Italy's sprint program in both the 100 m individual event and the 4×100 m relay, where Italy defends its 2024 European title.
For the relay squad, coach Filippo Di Mulo will work with Lorenzo Patta and Chituru Ali alongside Jacobs to finalize the quartet. The team's cohesion and handoff technique will be crucial to challenging for medals in Birmingham.
European Championships: Other Withdrawals
Italy's Birmingham roster began at 132 athletes but has contracted to 130 following late withdrawals. Alongside Tortu, notable absentees include:
• Lorenzo Simonelli – The reigning 110 m hurdles champion withdrew with an injury
• Marta Zenoni – The 1,500 m runner stepped back due to physical concerns
• Simone Bertelli – The pole vaulter opted to continue rehabilitation
Despite these gaps, Italy fields a strong delegation led by Olympic high-jump champion Gianmarco Tamberi, shot-put star Leonardo Fabbri, distance runner Nadia Battocletti, hammer thrower Sara Fantini, and race-walker Antonella Palmisano.
Focus Shifts to Taranto
For Tortu, the XX Mediterranean Games (August 21–September 3) now becomes the immediate priority. The multi-sport event in Taranto will give him the chance to compete on home soil with manageable travel and a supportive crowd. As co-flag-bearer, he'll march into Stadio Erasmo Iacovone alongside roughly 3,500 athletes from 26 Mediterranean nations.
Competing in the sprint events in Taranto offers Tortu an opportunity to rebuild confidence and close out the year on a positive note after a frustrating period disrupted by injury. For Italian athletics fans, his presence adds significant appeal to the Mediterranean Games athletics program.
Looking Ahead
Birmingham will proceed without Tortu, but Italy's depth suggests the team can still compete for medals across multiple events. For Tortu, the focus is on recovering fully and performing well in Taranto before preparing for the 2027 World Championships in Tokyo.
