Jessica Ennis has just put the cream on a wonderful large cake by claiming Gold in the Heptathalon beating her closest rival Dobrynska in the 800 Metres but for me Mo Farah stole the show today by becoming double European champion at 5,000 and 1000 metres. It left me with a lump in my throat and pride in what he has given up to become the champion he is. Simply sensational.
How exciting have this year’s European Athletics in Barcelona been for UK Athletics and its followers?
It all began on day one with the 10,000 metres success with Mo “knows how to run” Farrah (28:24.99) and Chris Thompson (28:27.33) claimed Gold and Silver. It seemed to buoy the Great Britain squad pushing them to perform to their best, and often beyond, to bring home a huge collection of medals.
The only negative outcome from today was the performance from the Men and Women in the 4 by 100 metre relays, the guys putting in an absolutely shocking performance. Sitting comfortably in first place rounding the final bend, a mix up of monumental proportions between Mark Lewis-Francis, (who won silver in the 100m) and Marlon Devonish. Team GB could only finish fifth in their heat and failed to qualify for the final. An emotional Lewis-Franics told the BBC
“This is my fault, I’ve let the guys down,”. “Wow, it’s such a big blow. I apologise sincerely to all the guys, I just cannot believe that happened.”
Ennis ran 2 minutes, 10 seconds and 18 seconds, 2.12sec ahead of second-placed Ukrainian Dobrynska, to rack up a championship record 6,823 points total falling just eight points short of Denise Lewis’s British record.
“It’s been nerve-wracking having all the athletes on my heels,” admitted a jubilant Ennis.
“It feels so good to win again. I had to raise my game, and to come out on top I’m so proud to come out on top again.
“Before the 800m I just wanted to win and I have! I’m so made up.”
Spare a thought for Welsh pair Dai Greene and Rhys Williams who secured a one-two finish for Britain in the men’s 400m hurdles final. They will not be overlooked but following Mo Farah’s second Gold they have inevitably been pushed to one side for the time being.
