Evelyn Wildman earns GB vest for U18 European Championships

 
Evelyn Wildman has been selected to represent Great Britain in the U18 European Championships, taking part in the 2000m steeplechase.

This achievement follows a breakthrough season in 2025, where she achieved strong PBs in 800m (2.13.68) and 1500m (4.32.19). This was also the year she began to explore the steeplechase.
In her first race at the 1500m steeplechase at the YDL Upper Age Group in Winchester in April 2025, Evelyn achieved the English Schools standard in a very promising 5.13.68.
By the time the championships happened in July Evelyn was the UK leader and duly won the championships in new Championships Record of 4.54.54.

Stepping up to the 2000m steeplechase in 2026, while juggling her GCSEs, Evelyn made her debut in the event in early April where she ran 6.49.68. This was a strong start but just outside the European qualifying standard of 6.45.00.
A 6.46.10 in Bury St Edmonds in early May was followed by a stunning run at the BMC PB Classic event in Loughborough on June 6th. Evelyn’s time of 6.34.06 became the leading time in Europe and third on the UK all-time list for the age group.
In the meantime, PBs in 800m (2.08.26) and 1500m (4.25.46) confirmed Evelyn was in good shape on the flat too.
The final piece in the jigsaw was to finish top two at the European Trials meeting in Cardiff on June 27th. Evelyn ran another strong race to win in 6.41.92, again achieving the qualifying standard and confirming her place in the Great Britain team.
​
The Championships take place in Rieti, Italy from 16 to 19 July. The women’s 2000m steeplechase heat is first on the track at 9.35am on the Thursday morning, meaning Evelyn will need to conquer her allergy to early starts.
Evelyn has been coached by Steve Perkin for over 5 years, in which time he has supported her development and offered support and guidance throughout. Evelyn’s progress reflects the dedication Steve has shown to his coaching over close to two decades at Chiltern Harriers.

Do join us in congratulating Evelyn and wishing her all the best for the championships!