Student keeps European rivals in Czech

Press release issued: 18 July 2011

James Shane

Image credit: Mark Shearman/Athletics Images

Anglia Ruskin University student James Shane claimed a silver medal in the 1,500m at the European Under-23s Athletics Championships in Ostrava, Czech Republic, on Sunday 17 July.

The 21-year-old, who is studying Primary Education in Chelmsford, has already enjoyed a superb summer: setting personal bests in both the 1,500m and 800m; winning bronze for Great Britain in the European Team Championships in Sweden; and making his debut in the Diamond League - the top tier of international Grand Prix events.

James upset the form book in Ostrava - he was ranked seventh in the field - to take silver in 3:50.58 following a tactical race, having run 3:41.55 in the heats to book his place in Sunday's final.

The gold medal was won by France's Florian Carvalho in 3:50.42, with James holding off Spaniard David Bustos by one hundredth of a second following a sprint finish that kicked off 300m from home

James told UK Athletics:

"I really didn't think I'd got it (second place). I felt much better than yesterday (in the heats), so much more relaxed and comfortable.

I just stuck to my race plan; I'd planned to get into a good position then at 300m to go I was just going to fight. I knew it might be the worst 40 seconds of my life, but it was going to be worth it!"

Anglia Ruskin University

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Student keeps European rivals in Czech