Holding the shot put competition in front of the Colosseum was part of Rome’s bid on Friday to host the 2024 European athletics championships. While most of the events would be held in the Stadio Olimpico, race walking would be contested alongside the ancient Baths of Caracalla after starting from the Arch of Constantine, while the half-marathon would begin and end in front of the Vatican.

The Italian athletics federation (FIDAL) said it has the full support of the government and city — even though bids for the 2020 and 2024 Olympics using many of the same venues were rejected due to financial concerns by the political bodies.