24-year-old Dubliner, Healy, clinched gold in a dramatic finish at the championships, executing a perfect race strategy. After overcoming past struggles by enhancing her mental approach, she waited until the last 100m to outpace favorite Melissa Courtney-Bryant, finishing in 8:52.86. Mark English also impressed, earning a bronze in the 800m with a time of 1:45.46, showcasing his experience in the competition. Healy's victory is historic as it marks the first gold for Ireland since 2007, celebrated in front of enthusiastic local supporters.
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'm so happy to do it,' she said. 'It's amazing. To have so many Irish people here made it so special for my first ever medal.
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.
Mark English won a brilliant bronze medal in the 800m... 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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