European Championships: Day Four Schedule & BBC Coverage

The fourth day of the European Athletics Championships kicks off on Saturday, 13 August, at the Alexander Stadium in Birmingham. BBC Sport will broadcast a live schedule that includes the men’s 400 m semi‑finals, women’s high jump, and the mixed 4 × 400 m relay. Fans and athletes alike are watching because performances on this day could decide medal tallies and qualification for the Paris 2024 Olympics. The timetable also helps broadcasters and sponsors plan prime‑time coverage across Europe’s biggest athletics stage.

Key takeaways

  • Saturday’s programme starts at 10:00 GMT with the men’s 400 m semi‑finals.
  • Women’s high jump and long jump finals are slated for the afternoon session.
  • The mixed 4 × 400 m relay, a fan‑favorite, closes the day at 20:00 GMT.
  • BBC Sport’s live commentary and highlights will be streamed on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website.

Background

The European Athletics Championships return to the United Kingdom after a 30‑year hiatus, with Birmingham hosting from 10 – 16 August. The event is part of the broader European Championships multi‑sport festival, designed to boost viewership and unify national sporting calendars. Athletes view Birmingham as a fast track, thanks to its modern surface and supportive home crowds, while broadcasters see it as a chance to capture record‑breaking moments ahead of the Olympic season.

What happened

On day four, the BBC Sport team released an updated timetable that aligns with the stadium’s schedule and the broadcaster’s programming slots. The lineup features the men’s 400 m semi‑finals at 10:00 GMT, followed by the women’s high jump at 12:30 GMT and the women’s long jump at 15:00 GMT. The evening culminates with the mixed 4 × 400 m relay at 20:00 GMT, a race that has become a highlight across recent championships. Viewers can follow live action on television, the BBC iPlayer app, and the sports portal, where real‑time graphics and athlete stats are updated.

Why it matters

Day four is pivotal for several reasons. First, the 400 m semi‑finals determine which sprinters will contest the final on day six, influencing national medal prospects. Second, the mixed relay showcases team strategy and gender balance, a format that the International Olympic Committee is promoting for future Games. Third, strong TV ratings from the BBC’s coverage can attract additional advertising revenue and justify future investment in athletics broadcasting. Finally, the schedule’s timing accommodates viewers across multiple time zones, reinforcing the European Championships’ role as a pan‑European sporting event.

What happens next

After Saturday’s events, the championship moves into its final sprint phase. Day five will host the men’s and women’s 400 m finals, while day six features the 800 m races and the concluding mixed relay. Athletes who secure podium finishes will earn points for their national federations, affecting qualification for the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics. BBC Sport will continue its rolling coverage, providing post‑race analysis, athlete interviews, and a special Chronicle News roundup summarising each day’s highlights.

Frequently asked questions

When does the mixed 4 × 400 m relay start?

The mixed relay is scheduled for 20:00 GMT on Saturday, with live commentary on BBC Sport and a replay available on BBC iPlayer.

How can I watch the women's high jump live?

The women’s high jump will be broadcast live on the BBC One television channel and streamed simultaneously on the BBC Sport website and app.

Where can I find the full day‑four timetable?

A complete, up‑to‑date schedule is posted on the official [BBC Sport] page for the championships and can also be accessed through the sports section of the site.

Bottom line

Day four of the European Athletics Championships promises high‑stakes races and compelling storylines that will shape the medal table and Olympic dreams. The BBC’s comprehensive coverage ensures fans across the continent can enjoy every moment in real time.

Reporting by BBC Sport.

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