Meet European Athletics ‚Legends of the Cup‘ – Part 4 – European Athletics (EAA) – NEWS

To celebrate the final edition of the SPAR European Cup, European Athletics is proud to announce the attendance of some very special guests in Annecy.

Each of the 10 competing countries has invited one athlete to be their 'Legend of the Cup' and have the great honour of carrying their countries flag at the opening ceremony of the SPAR European Cup 2008. These legends range from retired Olympic and European Champions, to former athletes now devoted to coaching the stars of the future, to still active athletes – what they all have in common is a strong connection to the SPAR European Cup.

Today we have the great pleasure of introducing our final two legends…

Italy – Fabrizio Mori

Fabrizio Mori is one of the greatest Italian athletes in history who was crowned World Champion in 1999 and won the Silver two years later in a new Italian record of 47.54.

However, it is for his long serving and loyal commitment to the SPAR European Cup that he is possibly best remembered since he made his debut in the blue of the azzuri in 1989!

Following an 8th place finish on that occasion, Fabrizio scaled the heights of European & World athletics, taking part in 12 Cups and winning the 400m Hurdles on five of these occasions.

France – Robert Poirier

Robert Poirier holds a very special and significant place in the heart of French Athletics.

Of course his most high profile achievements were his two appearances in the 400m Hurdles at the Olympic Games, in 1964 & 1968 where he reached the semi-final along with winning a bronze medal in the same event at the European Athletics Championships in Budapest in 1966.

However, it is the fact that he was the 1st ever French athlete to score an individual victory in the European Cup in 1965 that he is beging honoured for this weekend.

Along with this, Poirier had the honour of being the first Head Coach to win the European Cup for France when he led the men's team to victory in 2003 in Florence.

This weekend marks a special anniversary for the popular Poirier as 44 years ago he also competed in this stadium in Annecy at an international match France-Italy on 18 July 1964.

European Athletics (EAA) –