The European Athletics Championships have officially begun in Birmingham, marking the first time the event has been held in the UK. Athletes from 49 nations are competing at the Alexander Stadium for 50 gold medals, including a new mixed 4x100 metre relay. The BBC is providing comprehensive coverage, but some viewers have expressed frustration with the broadcast.
First Medals Decided on Opening Day
The first medals of the 2026 Championships were awarded on Monday (August 10). Amy Hunt claimed gold in the women's 100 metre final, while Jakob Ingebrigtsen made his comeback after nearly a year out through injury in the men's 5,000 metre final. Great Britain secured silver in the mixed 4x400 metre relay.
However, one final was missed by the BBC, as reported by the Mirror. Gabby Logan, who is leading the evening coverage, revealed that the women's shot put final was not shown because the broadcast switched from BBC Two to BBC One.
Missed Shot Put Final Sparks Complaints
"While we were changing channels from BBC Two to BBC One, we missed the final of the women's shot put," Logan explained to viewers. She then provided the result: "Jessica Schilder there threw herself into gold medal winning position. 20.73 metres for the final throw. She'd already won it by then, of course, and she's the first woman to win this event three times since Nadezhda Chizhova of the Soviet Union, who did it four times in a row between 1966 and 1974."
Logan praised Schilder, adding, "What a phenomenal athlete she is. She'll be looking to equal, I'm sure, that record." The coverage is being hosted by Logan in the evenings and Jeanette Kwakye in the mornings, with analysis from Jessica Ennis-Hill and Greg Rutherford.
Viewers React to BBC Coverage
Audiences have been quick to share complaints on social media. Many were frustrated that the first day began without sound for several minutes, and others criticised the amount of studio conversation. One person fumed on X (formerly Twitter): "I love watching athletics, but the BBC coverage is absolute s**** - so much endless chatting and then the relentless Brits are Best cheerleading. Get on with it."
Another viewer added: "Husband watching athletics on BBC. In half an hour, there's only been about 2 races. It's just loads of people like Gabby, Jessica Ennis, and some other people I don't know, sitting around gassing. Yawn." A third commented simply: "BBC athletics, yap, yap, yap, yap, yap."
Despite the criticism, many were delighted to see athletics back on BBC. One fan wrote: "Athletics back on BBC just feels right," while others expressed pleasure at hearing Steve Cram on commentary duties.
Day Two Highlights
Tuesday's (August 11) coverage will feature Keely Hodgkinson beginning the defence of her European title in the women's 800 metres qualifying rounds. Qualifying for the men's 100 metre final is also scheduled for day two. The European Athletics Championships are available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
