What’s different about the 2018 European Championships?

There’s a sporting spectacular on the way this August with the 2018 European Championships.

The event takes place every four years, and pitches Europe’s finest athletes against each other.

The competition usually serves as an excellent halfway house and marking post for who may be on course for Olympic success in two years’ time.

But things are very different this time around, here’s why…

More than just athletics

This year’s event is being completely revamped – and massively expanded.

Previously a track and field tournament, the championships have now aligned with aquatics, cycling, gymnastics, rowing, triathlon and a mixed-gender Golf event.

The multi-sport event brings it nicely into line with how the Olympics are organised. Glasgow will host all the non-athletics events, with Berlin’s historic Olympiastadion hosting the track and field.

Golf in Glasgow

Fresh from hosting the Open at Carnoustie, Scotland will again be welcoming plenty of Golf aficionados in August.

Held at Gleneagles in Perth, women and men will compete side-by-side in the inaugural Golf Team Championships.

The tournament will feature both match play and stroke play events.

Stars to appear in the pool

There’ll be plenty of top talent in the pool in Scotland, with 72 gold medals to be won.

Olympic and world champion Adam Peaty is set to compete, as are Hannah Miley, Ross Murdoch and Duncan Scott.

And Olympic champion Jack Laugher will be climbing the steps to the diving board.