Amy-Eloise Markovc led a British tour de force in the women’s 3000m at the European Athletics Indoor Championships in Torun, Poland.
The 25-year-old sprinted clear of the field to claim European gold on GB debut, ensuring the 3000m title stays in British hands after Laura Muir’s victories in 2017 and 2019.
Markovc, who set a national indoor two-mile record last month, cut the tape in 8:46.43s and compatriot Verity Ockenden was 0.17 behind in bronze medal position.
“I'm really thrilled with this win,” said the Wakefield Harrier.
“Going into my first senior Championships, I was nervous, but our team captain (Jodie Williams) gave us a great inspirational talk and that helped.
“It was close in the end, but I never relax until I reach the finish line. I also set a PB, which was a bonus.”
With a lifetime best of 15:11.11 in 2019, Markovc missed the World Athletics Olympic standard at 5000m by a second but made the British mark.
Amelia Quirk, running indoors for just the second time, was prominent through the first 2000m with team-mates Markovc and Ockenden taking closer order with 800m to go.
Dutch athlete Maureen Koster fell further back in the field which left the British pair clear to sprint for medals, France’s Alice Finot reeling in Ockenden to take silver.
“With three Brits in the final, we were pushing each other and competing together really helped us,” said Ockenden.
“Without my teammate to chase, I might not have made the podium.”
On the first night of medals in Poland, Piers Copeland ran 3:39.99 to finish fourth in a dramatic men’s 1500m.
Holly Mills claimed fifth place in the Pentathlon, challenging her multi-event personal bests on major Championship debut.
The 20-year-old led a field featuring reigning Olympic champion Nafi Thiam after the 60m hurdles, cleared 1.74m in the high jump and finished outright third in the closing 800m.
There were a series of authoritative heat and semi-final runs for British athletes with team captain Williams clocking an indoor PB to qualify for a stacked women’s 400m final.
And on a disappointing day in the field, Emily Borthwick improved her high jump personal best by 4cm, clearing 1.91m to qualify for the final.
Sportsbeat 2021