Sondre Guttormsen participated in Schlanders last year, but had to settle for 5,61 meters.

Last-minute coup: Top jumper comes to Schlanders

The international pole vault meeting in Schlanders has significantly increased its presence shortly before the competition.

July 30, 2026

From: pm/sn

At the athlete presentation on Thursday evening at partner Recla's facilities, the organizers announced that Norwegian Sondre Guttormsen, one of the favorites for the European Championships, will compete on Friday in the 22nd edition of the South Tyrolean athletics classic. This means spectators can look forward to a world-class meet – and a competition that will serve as a final test for many athletes before the European Championships.

Sondre Guttormsen has cleared 6,06 meters this season. With this jump, the 2023 European Indoor Champion from Istanbul not only achieved a new personal best but is also the record holder for his country. And with this height, the Norwegian is also the favorite for the day's victory, as none of his competitors from Schlanders have jumped higher so far.

“I’m really looking forward to the competition, to this special atmosphere. Last year things didn’t go quite as I would have liked. But this year my form is good. It will definitely be my last test before the European Championships in Birmingham,” said Guttormsen.

The Scandinavian, currently ranked third in the world, will face his main challenge from Ersu Sasma. The Turk finished second last year and boasts a personal best of 5,92 meters. The bronze medalist at the 2024 European Championships in Rome has cleared 5,81 meters this year. He has ambitious goals for the meet in the Vinschgau Valley. "I always enjoy competing in Schlanders because it's my favorite place to jump. Of course, I want to finally win the meet. And I also want to clear the 6-meter mark for the first time in my career. My form is good," said Sasma.

Organizers, supporters, and athletes at the press conference. © Sportissimus

Besides Guttormsen and Sasma, the American Olen Tray Oates, Ivan Geronimo Seric (Croatia), Italian champion Matteo Oliveri, Luka Zupanc (Slovenia), Austrian Riccardo Klotz, Adrian Kübler from Switzerland, and the young Italian Matteo Beda will also be competing. "It's a special feeling because I usually only see my opponents from Friday on Instagram. Thank you to the organizers for giving me the opportunity to jump here in Schlanders. It will be something special for me," Beda stated during the media event.

Last year's winner, Juliana De Menis Campos from Brazil, was also present at the Recla partner's headquarters. The venue record holder can hardly wait to perform in front of the Schlanders crowd. "I've been in Europe since last week. I recently jumped 4,66 meters, so my form should be good. Now I'm looking forward to the fantastic atmosphere," beamed Campos.

From Canada directly to the Kulturhausplatz

The young Dutch athletes Elise De Jong and Marijn Kieft also attended the media event, hoping to get into shape for the European Championships in the main town of the Vinschgau valley. Their anticipation is high, as is that of Virginia Scardanzan of the Italian national team. "Up until now, I've only heard good things about the meet in Schlanders. Now I'm here to see for myself the high quality of this event. I normally live in Canada and came here specifically for this competition," said Scardanzan, the Italian indoor vice-champion. Also competing are Italian champion Elisa Molinarolo, last year's runner-up, and Giulia Busatta.

The women's jumping competition kicks off on Friday evening at 18 p.m. The men's competition starts at 20 p.m. Admission is free for all spectators.