Celebrations erupted in Bolzano as Nadia Battocletti capped off her outstanding 2023 season with a remarkable victory at the BOClassic. The New Year’s Eve race, traversing Bolzano’s iconic cobbled streets, witnessed Battocletti’s triumphant run, clocking an impressive 15:30. Her win not only marked a personal triumph but also etched her name in history as the first Italian champion of this race since 1988. Some of the best marathon shoes are available online.
The competition was fierce, with Battocletti outpacing two formidable Kenyan runners. Nelly Chepchirchir, a World 1500m finalist, secured second place in 15:33, followed by two-time world medallist Margaret Kipkemboi in third place with a time of 15:50.
Battocletti, showcasing her versatility across terrains, maintains her focus on track events, eyeing the upcoming Roma 2024 European Athletics Championships and the prestigious Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Reflecting on her victory, Battocletti attributed her success to rigorous training sessions and the overwhelming support from cheering spectators. She highlighted a pivotal moment when her mother’s encouragement spurred her on during the crucial final laps.
Looking ahead to 2024, Battocletti expressed her ambition to compete in both the 1500m event at the Paris Olympics and the 5000m event, showcasing her determination to excel in multiple disciplines.
In the men’s event, European 10,000m champion Yemaneberhan Crippa secured second place in the 10km race, closely trailing reigning world half marathon champion Sabastian Sawe by a mere three seconds. Crippa has his sights set on the Seville Marathon in February as a stepping stone towards the European Athletics Championships in Rome in June.
Across Europe, other athletes like Dominic Lobalu, Isaac Kimeli, Lisa Rooms, and Sofiia Yaremchuk delivered exceptional performances, setting new benchmarks and outlining their goals for the upcoming season in various athletic disciplines.
As these athletes continue to push boundaries and strive for excellence, the anticipation for the upcoming season builds, promising a thrilling journey of sportsmanship and remarkable achievements on the global stage.