The Muir the merrier as Scots triumph
LAURA Muir made history last night by becoming the first British woman crowned European 1,500m champion.
The Inverness-born athlete lived up to her billing as overwhelming favourite to clinch the gold medal with an emphatic victory at the Olympic Stadium in Berlin.
The 25-year-old, who recently qualified as a vet, beat off a late charge from Polish runner Sofia Ennaoui to secure her first major outdoor title.
Prior to last night’s win, Britain’s best result in the event was the silver medal of Dame Kelly Holmes in 1994. After completing her lap of honour, Miss Muir said she had felt under huge pressure to bring the gold medal home.
She said: ‘I think it this has been the most pressure I’ve ever been under, so that’s something new for me. I’d like to thank all my supporters.’
The final also saw Britain’s Laura Weightman win the bronze medal.
In the 5,000m final, Dundee’s Eilish McColgan came second behind Dutch athlete Sifan Hassan. Last year, Miss Muir took the 1,500m indoor title at the European Indoor Championships in Belgrade, along with the 3,000m gold medal.
She initially planned to double up in Berlin but decided to concentrate entirely on the shorter race.
Sprinter Dina Asher-Smith kickstarted Britain’s championships in Berlin with 100m gold on Tuesday – the first British woman to claim the title since 1962.
Miss Muir said that she had been spurred on by the victory. ‘I watched Dina win the 100m at our training camp in St Moritz and couldn’t believe her time,’ she said. ‘I just want to keep that momentum going.’
Sportscotland chairman Mel Young said: ‘Congratulations to Laura on winning gold. She turned in a brilliant performance when it mattered most and this medal is thoroughly deserved.
‘A gold medal at this level of sport is a hugely significant achievement.’