Spain opened its medal account at the 2026 European Athletics Championships in Birmingham thanks to an outstanding performance by Marta García, who claimed the silver medal in the women's 5000m.

The Spanish athlete completed the race in 15:39.98, finishing behind only Italy's Nadia Battocletti, who was crowned European champion with a time of 15:37.84.

A race that saved all the drama for the finish

The race began at a controlled pace. The first kilometer was completed in 3:20.95, with none of the main favorites willing to expend too much energy in the early stages.

Kosovo's Gresa Bakraçi tried to increase the pace, but the leading group remained composed and reached the two-kilometer mark in 6:38.03, keeping the main medal contenders firmly in contention.

A spectacular final kilometer

That was when Nadia Battocletti made the decisive change of pace. Marta García managed to stay very close to the Italian and produced an extraordinary finish, completing the final kilometer in approximately 2 minutes and 40 seconds.

Battocletti ultimately prevailed in 15:37.84, while García crossed the line just two seconds later to secure silver in 15:39.98.

From Rome to the second step of the podium

The result also represents another step forward in Marta García's continental career.

The Spaniard had already won bronze in the 5000m at the 2024 European Championships in Rome, but two years later she improved on that performance and climbed to the second step of the podium.

Her participation in Birmingham had even been in doubt due to lower back discomfort, but she recovered in time to compete and ultimately became Spain's first medalist at these European Championships.