Elizabeth Ndudi sets Irish national U20 record on way to winning European gold

Ireland's Elizabeth Ndudi won gold in the women's long jump at the U20 European Championships in Jerusalem.

The Dundrum AC athlete set a national under-20 record of 6.56 on the third of her six attempts in the final of the event on Friday morning, beating the Irish record of 6.44 at that age grade which she had set last month.

That mark allowed her to finish top of the podium ahead of Bulgaria's Plamena Mitkova and Germany's Laura Raquel Muller whose best jumps were 6.54 and 6.51 respectively.

"I'm in shock, I’m amazed how well the event went for me," she said.

"I was confident in myself coming in here but it’s a huge improvement and to do it in such a high competition makes the national record so special.

"I really focused on my mental preparations as well as the physical side coming in here. I made sure to really get in the zone in the morning and evening before sessions.

"Last year I was a bit nervous and I think that’s why I didn’t post a big jump but today I came in here full of confidence, so I was mentally prepared."

Ndudi's gold follows Wednesday's silver medal for World Athletics Championships-bound Nick Griggs in the 3000m.