Why a nation was thrilled by ordinary Jo

SHE was frowning slightly as she came through the line, as if she were determined to keep the tears at bay. But her eyes were bright, her relief was overwhelming, and her joyful pride could not be disguised. In a glorious week for British athletics, the face of Jo Pavey will be the lingering memory.

Much was made of her age, since precious few 40-year-olds have won a European 10,000m title. The fact that she is the mother of two young children was also a source of wonder, given the crippling burden of work which the event imposes.

But there was something else which made her victory so pleasurable, something which is strangely reassuring. For Ms Pavey represents a comforting normality. She followed the path trodden by our finest athletes down the decades. She won the English Schools 1,500m for Devon in 1988 (P. Radcliffe of Beds finished eighth).

She won AAA junior titles and joined Exeter Harriers to make her mighty mark in club athletics. She progressed to the British team and has represented her country, with immense credit, in four Olympic Games. She came through the system, and the other evening in Zurich, she proved that the system still works.

Some insist this country is obsessed by football, to the virtual exclusion of all other sports. And there is an uncomfortable degree of truth in that notion. Yet while it would be wrong to dispute the primacy of the winter game, it would be equally foolish to deny the nation’s enduring affection for track and field.

Jo Pavey — homely, normal, blissfully talented Jo Pavey — embodies all the virtues of this wonderful sport. She richly deserves her moment in the sun.