By Laura Howard, Sportsbeat
Sprinting legend Darren Campbell believes this summer’s home European Athletics Championships will boost Team GB’s hopes of athletics success at the LA 2028 Olympics.
The championships are set to arrive in the UK for the first time this summer as Birmingham will host Europe’s best athletes at the Alexander Stadium.
And for three-time European gold medallist Campbell, the pressure and support of a home crowd will provide the perfect preparation for Los Angeles.
“This competition will be a fantastic experience. And it will see the bigger fruits, I feel, in two years' time,” he said.
“Off the back of the success of the British athletes in Paris, it’s fantastic that we have a home championship heading into LA.
“The energy, the atmosphere, the way the crowd will lift the athletes will be just what is needed in that respect.
“For myself, working with UK Athletics, we’re really trying to make them feel comfortable and realise that 95% of the people in the stands will be wanting good for you.
"Our message is to embrace it. Don’t let it overwhelm you. Just perform at your best and they’ll love you. That support will be there, so just give yourself the best chance to go out there and enjoy it.”
Campbell, who boasts two Olympic medals and three World Championships medals, knows all about the power of a home crowd.
Despite his Olympic success, the Sale-born sprinter puts the 2002 Manchester Commonwealth Games on a par, having won 200m bronze and 4x100m gold in his home city.
“I’ve tussled with it and I have said the Commonwealth Games was the biggest experience,” said the 52-year-old.
“When I reflect on that, it’s because I’ve never felt under so much pressure. The emotion, nerves, not wanting to let people down. The likelihood is there is going to be people in the stadium that you know.
“It meant that going into the Olympics in 2004 and any competition after that, I was able to control those emotions, those nerves.”
Campbell would go on to win Olympic gold in the 4x100m relay at Athens 2004, but it was not always a given that he would even be on the start line for that formative experience in Manchester.
“In 2001, I was injured the whole year. I’d drive to Manchester and see boards with my face on and think I don’t even know if I’m going to be there,” he recalled.
“But I fought and fought just to make the team. I scraped into the 200m final, and I was able to win the bronze medal.
“That’s when I understood the power of the home crowd. I remember walking out to the final of the 200m and I was in tears. I put my hand on Christian Malcolm’s shoulder because emotionally it was just a lot.
“The athletes appreciate people have come to watch them and give their all. I honestly believe there’s going to be some unbelievable performances [at Birmingham].”
Dame Denise Lewis believes the 2026 European Athletics Championships can make the case for bringing more major sporting events to Britain.
London has been linked with hosting the 2029 World Athletics Championships, having done so for the first time in 2017, and Lewis believes the UK should strive to play host on a more regular basis.
She said: "It is beyond exciting to have a major championship coming back to Birmingham. It is amazing for the locals, the city, and British athletes to compete in front of a home crowd.
"The UK really knows how to host, we guarantee sellout stadiums. Europeans is the jewel in our illustrious hosting record for the UK.
“Why not, in the next decade, why can’t we be ambitious, and try and host as many championships as we can?
“Let’s push the boat out. Sport is one of those soft powers that can really galvanise and enthuse people.”
Lewis’ comments follow those of departing UK Sport Chair Dame Katherine Grainger, who voiced her frustration at the lack of major events Britain is confirmed to be hosting in the next 10 years.
Grainger admitted to concerns about the calendar after 2028, when the UK and Ireland will host the men’s football European Championships.
But UK Athletics President Lewis believes athletics can step up to the plate, with the opportunity to both compete and watch on home soil invaluable to athletes and fans alike.
“I am really excited about this one based on the last European Championships, where competition was so rich across the track and the field,” she added.
“Hopefully, there will be the likes of Femke Bol, Yaroslava Mahuchikh and Mattia Furlani in action.
"The crop of athletes from the UK just warms my heart; Georgia Bell, Keely Hodgkinson, Dina Asher-Smith, Daryll Neita, Josh Kerr, the rich talent we have in middle distance, there is something for everybody to get behind.
“It is the best feeling to compete in front of a home crowd. It pleases me immensely to know that this opportunity is around the corner for athletes."
Lewis, who famously won Olympic heptathlon gold at Sydney 2000, grew up in Wolverhampton and is particularly pleased to see the West Midlands back in the spotlight.
“Birmingham in particular knows sport and loves sport," she said.
"It has hosted the Diamond League there and got a really good turnout, so I am expecting big crowds. Big stars will want to compete because the city has a lot to offer.
"Knowing that the opportunity is there to see some of the best athletes in the world come to the city is exciting, it is a touch point where we can accelerate young people's ambitions.”
Novuna is the Official Finance Partner of British Athletics and proud sponsor of the GB & NI Athletics Team. From everyday goals to world-class dreams, Novuna backs the ambition of millions across the UK — from supporting British businesses and individuals’ plans, to powering British Athletics on the global stage. Find out more at www.novuna.co.uk
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