Italian distance star Nadia Battocletti will return to the site of her greatest triumph next June as she chases her first ever Wanda Diamond League victory in front of her home crowd in Rome.
Olympic silver medallist in the 10,000m at Paris 2024 and European champion over 5000m, Battocletti is one of a crop of Italian athletes who have established themeslves among the world elite in recent years.
She has a special relationship with Rome, having won her European gold there in 2024 before breaking the Italian record with a stunning 14:23.15 at last year’s Diamond League meeting in the Stadio Olimpico.
The 25-year-old finished third behind series record breaker Beatrice Chebet that day, and she returns to Rome with a score to settle in 2026.
At the Golden Gala Pietro Mennea on June 4, the Italian will be hoping that home advantage can help her to a first ever Diamond League victory.
“The Golden Gala is my favourite competition,” said Battocletti. “I am thrilled to be able to take part for the third time and to have this opportunity once again. The Olimpico is a dream; I have so many wonderful memories from the European Championships in Rome, from the 1500 meters after the Paris Olympics, and finally from last year’s 5000 meters. I am certain that, thanks to the organisers, another amazing challenge will come to life, and I can’t wait to experience the months and weeks leading up to June 4, breathing in the atmosphere of the event. I am overjoyed that my whole family will be there to support me, and I invite all Italian fans to be at the stadium for this great evening of sport.”
Rome is the fifth leg of the 2026 Wanda Diamond League, which begins in Doha on May 8 and ends at the two-day series final in Brussels on September 4-5.
