Eilish McColgan empties tank to land another medal in space of 16 days

Eilish McColgan emptied everything she had in the tank to win a remarkable fourth major medal in the space of 16 days in Munich.

The Scottish star bagged bronze in the European Championship 5000m final behind German Konstanze Klosterhalfen and Turk Yasemin Can.

McColgan, 31, has enjoyed a sparkling summer that saw her dramatically claim Commonwealth gold and silvers over 10,000m and 5000m in Birmingham.

She followed that up with a gutsy European 10,000m silver on Monday night and admits she had nothing more to give in a brutal 5000m duel just three days later.

McColgan, whose mum Liz also grabbed Commonwealth 10,000m glory in 1986 and 1990, said: I’m so tired, I don’t even know how I made it to the finish.

“With two laps to go I was like: ‘oh Christ, my legs aren’t going to make it to the end’.

“I’m so happy, to come and win another medal I can’t ask for any more than that.

“The other two girls were so strong in that middle section. Everyone was probably expecting me to take it out hard but there have been so many races I’ve lost count, so to win another medal I’m lost for words.

“I couldn’t do any more, and that’s a good feeling when you cross the line knowing you’ve given it everything.

“In the past, I’ve always struggled with injuries but I’ve had a really good run now. This whole year has been a bit up and down, but my parents remind me the training is banked, it’s in you, it’s just getting that out on race day.

“I’m really proud of myself, I came here with only one outdoor medal and now I’ve collected another four – it’s mad.

“I just can’t believe it - this will be a year I will remember for a very long time.”

Earlier this summer, McColgan announced she was planning to turn her attention to road racing and run the