Siobhra O’Flaherty take silver at European Youth Olympics

14-year-old ran a personal best in the 3,000 metres

14 year-old Siobhra O’Flaherty (left): won a silver medal at the   European Youth Olympics in UItrecht. Photograph: Inpho
14 year-old Siobhra O’Flaherty (left): won a silver medal at the European Youth Olympics in UItrecht. Photograph: Inpho

Ireland has won its first athletics medal at the European Youth Olympics in Utrecht thanks to the brilliant silver medal run from 14 year-old Siobhra O’Flaherty from Carlow in the 3,000 metres.

O'Flaherty was edged out for gold by Romania's Maria Ifteni in a close finish but was also rewarded with a personal best of 9:42.42. It was neck-and-neck after 600 metres when both young athletes broke away from the pack and then headed for a 400 metre sprint finish.

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Ian O'Riordan

Ian O'Riordan

Ian O'Riordan is an Irish Times sports journalist writing on athletics