Spanish Marathoner Laura Luengo Withdraws from European Championships; Alisa Vainio Now Stronger Favorite

Spanish marathon runner Laura Luengo has announced her withdrawal from the upcoming European Athletics Championships due to health problems, a decision that significantly alters the landscape of the women's marathon event.

Luengo shared the news via Instagram, expressing her deep disappointment. "With a literally broken heart, I have to withdraw from the European Championships due to a health problem," she wrote. The post garnered numerous messages of support from fellow athletes, including a comment from Finland's Nathalie Blomqvist.

Luengo had competed once this season, finishing a 10-kilometer race in 33 minutes and 30 seconds. Her personal best in the marathon is 2 hours, 22 minutes, and 31 seconds. Based on these times, she was listed as the third-fastest entrant for the marathon in Birmingham.

With Luengo's withdrawal, Finnish athlete Alisa Vainio emerges as an even stronger favorite. Vainio set a new Finnish national record of 2:20:39 earlier this year, which is currently the fastest time in Europe for the season. The women's marathon is scheduled for the final day of the championships, Sunday, August 11th.

“

With a literally broken heart, I have to withdraw from the European Championships due to a health problem.