Auckland ‘pleased’ after being pipped for European Under-23 title

RHONA AUCKLAND walked away with a silver medal at the European Under-23 Championships last night in Tallinn, Estonia, after the Banchory prospect came up just short in a brave bid for 10,000 metres gold.

The European cross-country champion, 22, led for much of the race but was overhauled on the final lap by Jip Vastenburg of the Netherlands, despite setting a personal best of 32:22.79, with British team-mate Alice Wright claiming bronze.

“I’m really pleased with that,” Auckland said. “Winning the European cross-country gave me the belief that I could take it on and I’d have the strength. I can’t remember what I was thinking when I went on either occasion, but I just went for it.

“I’ve been inspired by both Laura Muir and Kate Avery and the way they run so fearlessly, so I just thought let’s go for it and I’ll suffer the consequences later. I was pleased that I gave it a go and to get a personal best. I know I couldn’t have given it any more.”

Nick Miller claimed gold in the hammer with a best of 74.46m and then revealed he was pushing through the pain barrier.

Meanwhile, Neil Gourley believes he is ready to challenge for gold in Tallinn after setting up a duel with fellow Scot Cameron Boyek in tonight’s 1500m final.

The 20-year-old Glaswegian, who made the switch from rugby to athletics in his teens, has spent the past two years on scholarship at Virginia Tech University where he is combining track duties with a degree in engineering.

But after coasting through Thursday’s semi-finals in third place, Gourley is gearing up for a tactical trial with the medals on the line.

“I’m happy with how I executed the semi – it wasn’t the plan but it worked out just fine,” he said. “I don’t know whether it was Cameron’s plan either but he got through too so it’s all good, two Brits in the final. I’m expecting a burn-up in the final like I’m sure everybody is, but I’m ready for that as training has been going well.”

Kirsten McAslan will aim for a medal in the 400m final this afternoon despite a scare when she only advanced from the heats as a fastest loser.

Meanwhile Usain Bolt has confirmed he will take part in the Sainsbury’s Anniversary Games in London on July 24. The Olympic champion, who pulled out of this week’s Diamond League meetings in Paris and Lausanne due to injury, is likely to run the 200 metres.