Bronze for Weightman in European Championships

Northumberland's Laura Weightman spoke of her delight at getting a bronze medal in the 1500m final at the European Championships in Berlin tonight.
Medal winners Laura Weightman, Laura Muir and Sofia Ennaoui. Picture taken from BBCMedal winners Laura Weightman, Laura Muir and Sofia Ennaoui. Picture taken from BBC
Medal winners Laura Weightman, Laura Muir and Sofia Ennaoui. Picture taken from BBC

The 27-year-old ran a strong race to finish in third place, just losing out for silver on the home straight.

The Morpeth Harrier took an early lead in the final at the Olympic stadium and when red-hot favourite and Great Britain teammate Laura Muir took the front , Weightman stayed with her.

Laura Weightman took an early lead. Picture taken from BBCLaura Weightman took an early lead. Picture taken from BBC
Laura Weightman took an early lead. Picture taken from BBC
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It wasn't until just after the final bend that the Lesbury runner found herself battling with Ireland's Ciara Mageean and Poland's Sofia Ennaoui, who took the silver medal.

Laura said: "I'm really happy to get a bronze medal. I'm slightly disappointed. The plan was to run hard from the start and that's why I hit the front. And when Laura came past, I really wanted to go with her and hold on for as long as I could

"That last 200m was really hard. But I never not fight for that line. I knew the line was coming and I had to get there as hard as I could. Hanging on for a bronze, I'm delighted."

Laura is coached by Steve Cram, who said: "She did the best she could to stay with Laura Muir as long as she could. She should be very happy with a bronze.

The medal winners on the podium. Picture taken from BBCThe medal winners on the podium. Picture taken from BBC
The medal winners on the podium. Picture taken from BBC
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"Both Lauras have been leading the way for 1500m running for a while. The two of them are real world class 1500m runners."

Laura finished the race in 4.03.75; Ennaoui clocked a time of 4.03.08 and Muir 4.02.32.