Andorra's Nahuel Carabaña Targets Medal in 3000m Steeplechase at European Championships

Nahuel Carabaña, Andorra's sole entrant at the European Athletics Championships in Birmingham, is aiming to surpass his seventh-place finish from Rome two years ago and even dreams of a medal in the 3,000m steeplechase.

The Andorran Athletics Federation (FAA) athlete has arrived in Birmingham for the heats scheduled for tomorrow at 12.30pm and 12.43pm, with the final set for Sunday. Carabaña remains confident despite a right sole injury that disrupted his preparations over the past month. "I'm very motivated and eager, even though we've had setbacks due to the injury," he said. "The positive part is that I haven't stopped training, and we've managed to arrive in good shape. Now it's time for all that work to pay off."

He seeks to demonstrate his capabilities after a season of highs and lows. "I want to prove to myself what I'm capable of," Carabaña stated, adding that the main goal in any competition is to "leave Andorra's name as high as possible." A podium result, like the one he secured at the European Under-23 Championships, feels within reach in the senior category.

FAA president Josep Maria Missé expressed strong hopes for Carabaña's performance. "We have great expectations for his participation," Missé said. "He's an athlete in constant progression and growth over recent years, and we're convinced that sooner rather than later, he'll bring us joy in a major senior international event." Missé also called for increased direct qualifications to boost Andorran representation at such competitions, either via qualifying standards or rankings.

Pol Moya, who fell two spots short of qualifying, has turned attention to the Mediterranean Games in Taranto, Italy. The event takes place at Alexander Stadium.