Ruben Querinjean made history for Luxembourg on the final day of the European Athletics Championships in Birmingham, England. The 24-year-old runner lined up for the 3,000m steeplechase final at 9.50pm Luxembourgish time, representing his country among Europe’s elite.
Ranked thirteenth in the world, Querinjean exceeded expectations by taking second place in a sensational time of 8:25.61. For much of the race, he remained in eighth or ninth position, but with 600m to go, he surged forward, launching a determined sprint that propelled him into medal contention. His composed and tactical approach in the final phase paid off, and after a thrilling finish, Querinjean secured the silver medal, one of the greatest achievements for Luxembourgish athletics in recent years.
Nearly 20 years after David Fiegen’s success, Luxembourg celebrates a new vice-European champion in track and field.
The race itself began at a slow pace, but the closing stages were fiercely competitive. Germany’s Frederik Ruppert ultimately claimed the gold medal with a time of 8:25.33, narrowly edging out Querinjean. The podium was completed by another German athlete, Karl Bebendorf, who finished third in 8:26.65.
