EUROPEAN ATHLETICS U23 CHAMPIONSHIPS: DAY 4 MORNING SESSION

ABDEL LAADJEL 4TH IN 10,000M FINAL AT EUROPEAN ATHLETICS U23 CHAMPIONSHIPS

Abdel Laadjel (Donore Harriers) produced a massive performance at the European Athletics U23 Championships in Finland this morning, finishing in 4th place in a race which was filled with Europe’s finest up and coming endurance stars.

The young Donore athlete raced tactically superb, settling into the main pack before going with a race-defining move by the leading quartet with 3 laps to go. Laadjel battled bravely to try fend off his Spanish rival over the last 800m but ultimately would cross the finish in 4th place in a time of 29:23:33 having come into the race ranked 15th.

Speaking after the race Laadjel spoke of his pride in the performance, but also the disappointment of coming so close to a medal: “It’s a good performance, but it’s still a tough one to swallow. I came in here wanting a medal and I believe I was in shape for a medal, but the last few weeks have been tough with training and trying to roll off the NCAA season. For the first time ever, I felt my chest before my legs which usually doesn’t happen”.

Laadjel noted that he will end his track season following today’s European 4th place finish: “I’ve made a huge leap forward this outdoor season following some struggles in races earlier in the year so I’m proud I was able to collect myself the past two weeks and come here in shape to compete. It was the last race of my season so I’m sure I’ll look back positively when I’ve had a few days”.

Today’s 10,000m medals went the way of Rory Leonard (GBR) 29:08.33, Francesco Guerra (ITA) 29:11.86, and Miguel Baidal (ESP) 29:14.91.

Irish eyes will now turn to this afternoon’s session where Cian McPhillips (800m Final), Sophie O’Sullivan (1500m Final), Sarah Healy (1500 Final), Ruby Millet (Long Jump Final), and the men’s 4x400m relay team will go in search of Ireland’s 10th ever medal at a European U23 Championships.

All the action from Espoo is streamed live on All Athletics TV in partnership with RTE.

• Day 4 Results HERE.

Irish in action: Day 4 - Times listed in Irish time: