Dubliner Siofra Healy clinched the gold medal in the women's 3000m at the European Championships, showcasing tactical prowess by waiting until the final 100m to outpace favorite Melissa Courtney-Bryant. Healy's victory, achieved with a time of 8:52.86, is significant, as she becomes the first Irish gold medallist since David Gillick in 2007. This triumph comes after Healy's previous challenges at championships, highlighting her mental preparation. Additionally, Mark English earned bronze in the men's 800m, and Kate O'Connor claimed bronze in the pentathlon, marking a successful day for Irish athletics.
Healy had struggled at several championships in the past and worked extensively on her psychology in the last couple of years, and she was coolness personified throughout the final as she saved her energy for an all-out kick down the home straight that carried her to glory.
I knew I had an opportunity to win a medal and a chance to win gold but I didn't want to put too much expectation on it. I felt so good the whole way around, I felt amazing, but it was so messy so it was trying to get the space and wait until the last possible moment.
It's amazing. To have so many Irish people here made it so special for my first ever medal. The best part is the fact that my parents are here. They've seen me sad so many times so that was so nice.
Mark English won a brilliant bronze medal in the 800m. The Donegal athlete, who turns 32 later this month, earned his fifth European medal -his third indoors - with a superb performance that exemplified all of his class and race craft, unleashing a superb final lap to take bronze in 1:45.46.
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