Epic Showdown in Ostrava: Global Medallists and Continental Champions Go Head-to-Head | World Athletics Previews

Excitement is in the air for the Czech Indoor Gala, happening in Ostrava on Tuesday, February 4, 2025. This event is part of the World Athletics Indoor Tour Gold series, and it promises thrilling competitions with top athletes from around the globe.

One athlete to watch is Mattia Furlani. Just two months after being named World Athletics Rising Star of the Year, he is ready to showcase his talent in the men’s long jump. The young Italian athlete won Olympic bronze and European silver last year, all while still under 20 years old. This will be his last competition as a teenager, and he will compete against notable opponents like Thobias Montler, who recently defeated Olympic champion Miltiadis Tentoglou, and USA’s Isaac Grimes. Also in the mix is the versatile Bulgarian, Bozhidar Saraboyukov, making this a highly anticipated event.

In the shot put, Leonardo Fabbri will kick off his 2025 season. He had an incredible year in 2024, earning the European title in Rome and setting Italian records both indoors and outdoors. He is set to face Zane Weir, Konrad Bukowiecki, Roger Steen, and Tomas Stanek, all of whom are tough competitors.

The women’s pole vault event is shaping up to be just as exciting. Canadian athlete Alysha Newman, an Olympic bronze medallist, will challenge Tina Sutej, a world indoor bronze medallist from 2022, and Amalie Svabikova. Svabikova made headlines by setting the Czech indoor record of 4.72m in Ostrava two years ago, so this event will be one to watch.

In middle-distance races, Ethiopia’s Tsige Duguma will begin her season in the 800m, following her huge win at last year’s World Indoor Championships and her Olympic silver medal. She’s up against Noelie Yarigo, who also earned a world indoor medal last year. Meanwhile, Freweyni Hailu, the reigning world indoor champion in the 1500m, will tackle the 3000m for the first time this season, aiming to beat her personal best and possibly the meeting record.

The men’s 800m will feature an exciting lineup, with Eliott Crestan from Belgium going against European bronze medallist Catalin Tecuceanu from Italy and Belgian record-holder Tibo Smet. Notably, Slimane Moula from Algeria is set to make his indoor 800m debut.

In the sprints, several record-holders return to defend their titles. Ewa Swoboda, the world indoor silver medallist, will compete in the women’s 60m against strong challengers like Patrizia van der Weken and Torrie Lewis, both of whom have set national records this year. In the women’s 400m, Lieke Klaver, who set a meeting record last year, will face Poland’s Natalia Bukowiecka, a formidable outdoor performer.

The men’s 400m will also feature a strong lineup, including Attila Molnar, who recently set a Hungarian record. He will compete against European indoor record-holder Eugene Omalla and Dutch outdoor record-holder Liemarvin Bonevacia. Finally, Ronnie Baker, a past world indoor bronze medallist, will race in the men’s 60m alongside Japan’s Shuhei Tada and Germany’s Joshua Hartmann.

With such a packed schedule of events, the Czech Indoor Gala is set to be a highlight of the indoor athletics season. Athletes from all corners of the globe will compete fiercely, showcasing their talents and skills. It’s an excellent opportunity for fans to see some of the best in the sport.