Stewart "satisfied" with medal haul
Crack squad show off their wares...
With Mo Farah out-run in the run-in as Sergiy Lebid took his eighth title it proved to be a little disappointing for the boys – but a great day for the girls – at today’s 15th SPAR European XC Champs.
It was medals galore for the UK team as four golds and 12 medals overall proved to be the nation’s greatest ever haul. However, it was the junior women who stole the show by taking all first six places, a feat never seen before at these championships. With Steph Twell leading the way with what was almost a ‘forgone conclusion’ win, she was ably backed up by a team of top prospects as the UK took the next 6 six places to win the team gold too. With the likes of Laura Park (second right above) still eligible for another two junior years the future of distance running for women has never been so exciting.
Ian Stewart, UK Athletics newly-appointed National Endurance Coach said
It was a great day. There was plenty to be very satisfied and optimistic about. There are not many sports where we can claim to be the best in Europe, but we can in cross country. It is a great achievement in itself and it gives us a real platform to build on for the future. There is still a lot of hard work ahead though
I thought the junior women’s result was absolutely outstanding. The great thing is that we have got another six girls back at home who are capable of winning a medal, such is the depth. Steph Twell’s run was unbelievable. She had all the pressure, all the expectation, but produced a great run. It is the sign of a real champion.
The UK’s other hot favourite in these championships, David Forrester, was a disappointing fifth in the junior men’s race, but with Andy Vernon (silver) going one better than last year in the U23 race and the UK taking the U23 team gold, the men were non too shabby.
All in all, a good day at the office!
