The iconic Colosseum will sit pride of place on the medals won at the 2024 European Athletics Championships in Rome.

One of the eternal city’s most famous landmarks makes up a third of the tripartite design, that also features the official logo of the championships and an athletics track running around the edge.

The medals are designed to bring together both classic and modern elements, and are 85 millimetres in diameter. The first medals will be handed out on Friday 7 June, when the Championships get underway at the Stadio Olimpico.

The eyes of the world will descend on Rome, with the Championship a crucial precursor to this summer’s Olympic Games in Paris.

“I am sure that Roma 2024 will be an extraordinary edition in a beautiful city and in a historic stadium,” said Dobormir Karamarinov, European Athletics president.

“Organising a European Championship in the Olympic year is a great challenge. I thank President Stefano Mei for his great commitment.”

Great Britain has announced a strong team for the Championships, with four-time European champion Dina Asher-Smith and two-time world champion Katarina Johnson-Thompson both included, while current 800m European champion Keely Hodgkinson will look to defend her title.

They are just some of the global stars looking to put in a strong showing before the Olympics in August, and Mayor of Rome Roberto Gualtieri is relishing his city hosting such a big event.

He said: "The combination of sport and major events is an extraordinary driving force for the city. With what we have behind us and what we have ahead of us, these European Athletics Championships have a special flavour.

"I believe the half marathon course is the most beautiful course in the world for the athletes who will make us love this extraordinary sport once again. Long live the European Athletics Championships!"

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