Storica Doppietta per l'Italia nel Lancio del Peso: Fabbri e Weir Vincono Oro e Argento a Birmingham

The first day of the European Athletics Championships in Birmingham, which started with unfortunate news of Mattia Furlani's long jump injury, concluded on a high note for Italy with a spectacular gold medal in the shot put won by Leonardo Fabbri, complemented by an equally impressive silver from Zane Weir.

Fabbri Dominates the Final, Securing a One-Two for Italy with Weir

Leonardo Fabbri commanded the final from start to finish, achieving a winning distance of 22.31 meters on his third attempt, a mark that proved unreachable for his competitors. Zane Weir secured the second spot, completing a remarkable one-two finish for Italy with a surprising throw of 21.12 meters. A sensational triple podium finish was briefly a possibility until the very end, with Nik Ponzio vying for a medal and ultimately concluding in a highly respectable sixth place. The bronze medal went to Sweden's Wictor Perersson with a throw of 20.97 meters.

This victory marks a repeat continental title for the Tuscan athlete from the Italian Air Force, two years after his triumph at the Olympic Stadium in Rome. Meanwhile, his friend and training partner, the New Zealand-born Italian athlete from Fiamme Oro, returns to the podium three years after his indoor gold medal.

Fabbri Elated: 'I Enjoyed It, We Are the Strongest in Europe'

Leonardo Fabbri was beaming, with only one minor regret: "I wanted to have a progressively better competition and I hoped to hit the Championship record, but I tried to force it too much. It's still beautiful to win, I enjoyed it and had fun. We all deserve this, myself and my teammates, we have shown that we are the strongest in Europe."

Zane Weir, typically a man of few words but visibly satisfied, commented: "It was a difficult season, but I am happy with this result."