Jimmy Gressier came very close to another prestigious victory. After his surprise title in the 10,000 meters at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo last September, the 28-year-old runner became European vice-champion in cross-country.
After shining on the track, Jimmy Gressier rediscovered his first love with cross country. Putting the 400-meter circular route aside, we make way for the irregular terrain of Lagoa, Portugal, which must be taken five times to complete 7,470 meters.
Jimmy Gressier loses in the sprint
Starting in the leading group from the start of the race, the Frenchman will make the difference before halfway by escaping with the Spanish runner Thierry Ndikumwenayo.
🥈 VICE-CHAMPION D’EUROPE !
🇲🇫 Jimmy Gressier came for gold, but that was without counting on the formidable 🇪🇸 Thierry Ndikumwenayo, author of a superb race in Lagoa!
🔝 Just one more step to take for the Boulonnais, bronze medalist in 2021, and who is leaving this… pic.twitter.com/I1BYARuDmk
— FFAthlétisme (@FFAthletisme) December 14, 2025
After setting a strong pace in the second part of the race, the two men separated in the final sprint. In the last left turn, the Spaniard took the advantage and Jimmy Gressier tripped up. The world champion in the 10,000 meters is forced to bow and his dream of a new gold medal disappears. The Spaniard won with a time of 22′05.
