European Athletics (EAA) – News – Faultless display from Povh

It is not often it happens but the medals reflected the season's form-book to the letter with Ukraine's Olesya Povh taking gold and repeating her European leading time of 7.13 while in her wake compatriot Mariya Ryemyen collected silver also with a repeat of her season's best time of 7.15.

Bronze went to Ezinne Ekparaebo of Norway 7.20, 0.03 outside her best, but just holding on from a fast finishing Jodie Williams of Great Britain.

"Such a great result was not even in our dreams," said an ecstatic Povh.

"I know I was the leader but you can never be sure on this short track. The French girls were very dangerous especially in this home environment.

"This is a great result for our team because all of them know how hard we worked and prayed for these medals. We are very good friends with Mariya but we separate our sport and private life and never talk about training and competition at home.

"On the track we are rivals and we have separate lives, so we fight to show what we can achieve."

At the gun Povh got her trademark bullet start and was clearly not going to be denied as she shot down the straight.

In her wake, Ryemyen was last out of the blocks and had it all to do, but her pick-up was faultless and she quickly made up any deficit she had on the rest of the field.

"Sincerely, I put all my energy and power in this race," said the silver medallist.

"I really did not count with medal in such strong field. So it is even more precious for me and the moment with Olesya on the podium will be unforgettable. We will celebrate at home with our friends, family, my brother who supports me so much."

Despite the closeness of Williams who has a tremendous last 10m in her armoury, Ekparaebo did not look troubled to the naked eye, even though the photo finish showed the Briton was closing fast as her time of 7.21 testified.

"Yes, I expected such a thing to happen, to win a medal again at European championships," said the Norwegian.

"I think that I had a quite good start. This may be the strongest final I have ever been in a European championship. The girls have become much stronger, especially the Ukrainians.

"So, for me this medal is a victory even though I won a silver medal two years ago.

This is an amazing feeling. During the race I told myself "Please, do not think about the others". I was very much inspired by the medal of Christina in the 60m hurdles."
In fifth was a third representative of Ukraine, Hrystyna Stuy, in a personal best 7.21, while sixth and seventh were occupied by the two French hopes Vronique Mang and Myriam Soumar.

Lina Grincikaite of Lithuania did not start.

 European Athletics (EAA) – News