Leonardo Fabbri won the NIKE Pre Classic on July 4, 2026. In a post-event interview, Leonardo noted his concern with his follow-through during competitions. Leonardo noted that he had trouble sometimes following up with strong throws after his first throw.
In Birmingham 2026, Leonardo led qualifying in the first morning session on August 10, 2026, with a 21.29-meter throw. In the final, Leonardo opened with 21.36 meters. In attempt 2, Leonardo improved, throwing 21.78 meters, and then, on his third attempt, 22.31 meters!
Three fouls followed, but the big throw of 22.31 meters gave Leonardo Fabbri of Italy the gold medal. In silver position, also from Italy, was new father Zane Weir, 21.12 meters, and in bronze, Wictor Petersson, SWE, in 20.97 meters.
Leonardo, who won the bronze medal at WA Tokyo 2025, spoke to the media in the mixed zone. Here is what he discussed:
“I do not like it when people take things for granted. Especially today, competitions are not easy. I was very nervous despite knowing I was in great shape. But I was scared because every time I am at the top of the rankings, I always struggle. I tried to be smart; I took my time, no rush, and luckily, my first throw was good. Then I was increasing, but in the last two throws I got super tired and started cramping. I really wanted to throw 23m, because I feel I am capable of throwing it. It has been three years since I last threw 23m in training. But I was not able to get it in the competition. I told myself that I just want to win with whatever result. Rome was special because I had my home crowd there and I was super confident. I never doubted myself; I never thought about losing. Today, I was scared. I did not enjoy it so much, so I would say that this one is better. Now we are going to party, but not too much, because I still have a couple of Diamond Leagues coming up.”
Leonardo Fabbri takes his second European Athletics Outdoor shot put title. He did not take it for granted, and he won the old-fashioned way; Leonardo Fabbri earned it with three successively better throws!
