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Reekie brings home U23 gold from Sweden

Not long after a stunning 'Night of the 10,000m PBs', the future for Scottish women’s athletics looks even brighter, as Jemma Reekie earned two visits to the top of the podium at the European U23 Championships in Sweden at the weekend.

The Scot, who took part in four races in four days, claimed the 800m title and, less than 24 hours later, the 1500m title. Her performance made the Kilbarchan AAC athlete the first British athlete to win two gold medals at the European U23 Championships.

Reekie, who trains with European and Diamond League champion Laura Muir, also became the first Scot to win gold at the championships since Allison Curbishley in the 400m back in 1997. Between them, Muir and Reekie hold every female European 1500m title: senior outdoor and indoor, outdoor U20 and U23.

Reekie’s two medals made up the majority of the British team’s gold medal haul of three, followed by eight silver and three bronze: the best performance since 2013’s return of 15 medals in Finland.

Reekie told British Athletics: ‘I am really tired, my legs are sore and the girls did not make that easy for me in both finals. So I am really pleased to get two golds. I just wanted it so bad; I know I said coming here that I would be happy with two medals but there was only one colour I wanted in both and I am really please I got it right.

‘It has been amazing here, an amazing experience and an amazing team. I can’t thank British Athletics enough for all their support, not just here, but throughout the year so far. Yesterday I had to try and stay calm [on the podium] and not get too excited but now I can celebrate and I can’t wait to go home and see my family.’

Image: European Athletics

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