Spain hopes for middle-distance runners in Erfurt Spain [26.05.2005] Spain will trust strong middle-distance runners at the European Athletics U23 Championships in Erfurt (July 14-17) like two years ago in Bydgoszcz (Poland). Aspirant for medals are José Manuel Cortés, Manuel Olmedo (both 800 m) and Arturo Casado (1,500 m). All three runners participated at the last European U23 Championships and qualified for the final. Manuel Olmedo (22), also participant in the Olympic Games 2004, won the bronze medal behind René Herms (Germany) and Florent Lacasse (France). He participated 2002 in the European Indoor Championships in Vienna and 2003 in the World Championships in Paris. Although pretty young, he was able to gather experiences for upcoming tasks. Looking at his personal best in 800m (1:45,30 min) from 2004 we can expect a great season. José Manuel Cortés (sixth position in Bydgoszcz) was not able to earn international merits so far. Erfurt could be a stepping stone for the 21 year old athlete. He is already well known in his home country. Last year he won the 800m at the National Indoor Championships, outdoors he was runner-up. Arturo Casado´s last indoor season (1.500m) was very successful. At the European Indoor Championships in Madrid he was able to run in the final 3:38,41min and earned the fourth place. It was his first great appearance although the 22 year old athlete attracted first attention at the Junior World Championships in Kingston 2002 (6th place) and at the European U23 Championships in Bydgoszcz (7th place). (fc)