Quest to defence gold medal comes up just short as Nick Griggs takes silver in 3000m at European Athletics U-20 Championships

Ireland's Nick Griggs has won silver medal in the 3000m at the European Athletics U-20 Championships in Jerusalem.

Griggs, who will compete at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest later this month over 1500m, clocked 8:45.69 in a valiant defence of the 3,000m title he won back in 2021.

The Tyrone teenager hit the bell well positioned before unleashing a run for home with 300m to go in what was a hugely tactical race. Sweden's Jonathan Grahn was the only athlete to stay on the heels of Griggs with both athletes rounding the final bend side by side.

The Swede managed to pass the defending champion in the final 80 meters to cross in a winning time of 8:44.67."

Speaking after the race. Griggs said: "It was tactical, I tried to move up and do what I did last time by taking it up with 300m to go but Jonathan is a really good athlete and he's got speed.

The Candour Track Club competitor continued: "This was driving me all season, to come here and defend my title, so I’m disappointed. I’ll take some time to reflect, and I’ll head to Budapest in ten days which I’m really excited about. I’ll go out there and give it a go, there’s no pressure on me so I can just go out and see what happens."

Ava Rochford (Nenagh Olympic AC) was also in final action on Wednesday, claiming a top ten finish with an equal lifetime best of 1.80m in the high jump competition. The 17-year-old also equalled her personal best in yesterday’s qualifying round.

Oisin Joyce (Lake District AC) picked up Ireland’s third top ten finish of the day, finishing sixth in the men’s javelin with a best throw of 70.25 which was only marginally shy of his 70.56 PB.

Irish in action: Thursday 10 August - Irish time (Local time)

Elizabeth Ndudi – Women’s Long Jump Final –