With 18 gold medals, the 2026 World Athletics Indoor Championships equalled the most successful edition of the championships from a European perspective. But what did Europe's stars have to say in the mixed zone in Kujawy Pomorze?
European Athletics picks out some of the very best quotes from the continent's medal-winning athletes.
Simon Ehammer on breaking the world heptathlon record…
For the moment, I am speechless because my dream came true. I badly wanted to improve my European record here but it was difficult to imagine that the world record would be possible as well.
I cannot even count how many times I have been watching Ashton Eaton competing in decathlon and heptathlon. I learned a lot from him and now I have broken his world record. By the way, I already spoke with him by phone. It was a pleasure. It's incredible.
Armand Duplantis on why he didn’t attempt a world record of 6.32m…
After all those jumps, it was difficult to go back-to-back. You only get three minutes on the clock, which is not full rest at all. I had some lactic acid in my legs by that point. The arena in Torun has a special place in my heart - it changed my life as this is where I set my first world record [6.17m in 2020].
Yaroslava Mahuchikh on relocating back to Ukraine this winter…
This winter, I have been preparing in Ukraine - I was a bit tired moving from one country to another. I wanted to stay at home. We trained without electricity in really cold halls but the sweet feeling that I can finally be at home is much more important.
Keely Hodgkinson on her 50.1 split in the 4x400m final…
I knew I could do it. I’ve been telling these people: give me the f****** baton and I will give you a 50-point
Molly Caudery on regaining her world indoor title after recent mishaps in major events…
Six weeks ago I couldn’t even get off the ground and I was in a really dark place so to come here and do this means more than anyone knows after Paris [where she no-heighted] and after Tokyo [when she withdrew due to an ankle injury.]
I’ve only competed twice before this indoor season and I wasn’t even jumping in January. It’s been a really quick turnaround. I haven’t enjoyed jumping this much in a very long time.
Lieke Klaver on being inspired by Dutch medals from Nadine Visser and Sofie Dokter before the 4x400m…
It was a nice evening for the Dutch team as well. Nadine (Visser) won silver, Sofie (Dokter) won gold, so we couldn't leave without a medal. During the warm-up, we saw that Nadine and Sofie won medals and that gave us goosebumps and energy to run even better.
Jonathan Sacoor on continuing the Borlee legacy in the 4x400m…
I am now taking over the Borlee legacy - the older brothers are coaching me. It is great to have that tradition which transcends any individual
Elliot Crestan on finishing second to US wonderkid Cooper Lutkenhaus in the 800m…
He is an incredible talent, winning at 17 years of age. I think he can be the future [David] Rudisha
Mariano Garcia on moving up to the 1500m and taking on Nader…
It's my first year seriously preparing for the 1500m and what better way than winning a World Indoor Championships. Hopefully, in the coming years I will stay at this level because I'm still a rookie; they don't really know me yet.
I just wanted to sneak into the final and see if I could fight for a medal but, when I found myself leading, I said that now I can fight for gold. In the end, that is exactly what I did. I was ready even for Nader's kick. That is why I made a very long attack.
Jakub Szymanski on seeking redemption after stumbling in the semifinals of the 2025 World Indoors…
Last year, I was heartbroken to miss out on the final in Nanjing when medals ended up being won in very slow times. Now, the weight has fallen off my shoulders. I thought of avenging that loss every day and night, now I have done it.
Nadia Battocletti on preparing for the World Indoors through Ramadan…
I finished Ramadan two days ago, so my feelings in training weren't optimal. Until last week I was hesitant about participating, I have to thank my team and my family for giving me the strength I was looking for. I'm not a regular in this discipline and for that I'm also really happy.
Yes, it's one of the greatest achievements of my career. Track, cross country, road, now indoors. All I need to do is start swimming!
Josh Kerr on taking success for granted before his injury…
I had won at world outdoors and world indoors back-to-back and I took it for granted. I thought I would be at the top of the sport for a long time but, after missing a couple of opportunities that I wanted, I am really going to enjoy this gold. It took a lot of work to be standing on the podium today.
Yann Schrub on his late decision to compete at the World Indoors…
It is my 30th birthday and I could not have gotten a better present. Just 20 days ago I did not even plan to run here but then I set a European 10km record so I thought I was in great shape and I decided to give it a try.
