Charles Hicks made it a quick-fire British 5000m double after winning the men’s 5000m final in the morning session at the European Athletics U23 Championships in Espoo on Friday (14).
The US-based runner followed up Megan Keith’s victory in the women’s race nearly 15 hours earlier with a controlled display of strength and speed. It was also a personal treble for Hicks, having won the European U23 cross country title in both 2021 and 2022.
He set his stall out from the gun, going to the front and never relinquishing the lead. The Nordic trio of Finland’s Eemil Helander, Norway’s Abdullahi Dahir Rabi and Denmark’s Joel Ibler Lilleso - the latter two training partners - went with Hicks for the first two kilometres. But by three kilometres, both Rabi and Lilleso dropped out and it was a straight head-to-head with Hicks and the home favourite.
With 600 metres left, Hicks gradually upped the pace and gapped the Finn to stride away to win in a stadium record of 13:35:07. The determined Finn was rewarded with silver and a new personal best of 13:40.15. A last lap burst from Hicks’ teammate Will Barnicoat earned him bronze in 13:45.24, another personal best.
Afterwards, Hicks said: “It was a very unique and exciting race and I was ready to run from the gun. I am glad I managed to take this great opportunity. I would have liked to push a bit harder but you have got what you have at the end of the day. This is racing and it does not go always the way you plan. Coming home with the win is the best we could hope for.”
Helander, who was fourth in the 3000m steeplechase two years ago, said: “In earlier junior championships I have been very close to the podium, being fourth or fifth, so now it feels extra good to get the silver medal. I have put much effort on 3000m steeplechase before, but together with my coach, at an early stage this year, we made the decision to concentrate on 5000 metres in these championships because of the problems I have had with my ankle.
“The Finnish long-distance running has got long traditions, so I am happy to be able to re-boost those traditions with my medal and be one guy in the long chain of Finnish medallists.”
European U20 champion Vanninen regains heptathlon lead
Finland’s Saga Vanninen edged ahead of the Netherlands' Sofie Dokter in the tightly-contested heptathlon. After yesterday’s exploits which saw both athletes secure personal bests in the shot put - and Dokter also in the high jump - a persistent headwind blunted their efforts in the long jump.
Vanninen’s best effort was a first round 6.02m (-1.6m/s), while Dokter landed a final round 5.95m (0.5m/s). It leaves Vanninen ahead by just nine points on 4682 heading into the final session, consisting of the javelin and 800m.
Alida van Daalen stayed on track for a throwing double in Espoo. The Dutchwoman showed no ill-effects from winning shot put gold the previous evening as she headed the women’s discus qualifiers with a second round 58.49m.
“I had only like five hours of sleep and I needed to be ready for today,” said van Daalen. “But we made it to the final and that is what matters. For me, I think this was the best qualification ever.
“Usually, I was throwing just over the line and this was four metres over the line so that is awesome. I would not say anything about the double yet. I want to be humble. But for sure, it is a goal and I am excited for Sunday.”
European champion Elina Tzengko gave an assured performance in the women’s javelin. The Greek athlete threw 61.52m with her opening throw to advance to Sunday’s final as the leading qualifier.
In the women’s high jump qualifiers, the top ranked Elena Kulichenko of Cyprus safely progressed. A first-time clearance of 1.81m was enough to book a place in Sunday’s final.
Exciting French prospect Sasha Zhoya shone bright in the 110m hurdles heats.
The World U20 and European U20 gold medallist is seeking another age group crown for his collection and he breezed through, winning heat three in 13.63 (-1.7m/s).
In the 100m hurdles beats, Italy’s Veronica Basana made a significant breakthrough, clocking 12.90 (+1.7m/s) to take 0.11 off her previous best to win heat 4. Favourite Ditaji Kambundji of Switzerland was also impressive. The European bronze medallist eased through by winning the first heat in 13.07 (-0.3m/s) although medal favourite Viktoria Forster from Slovakia clattered a hurdle badly and didn't progress.
In the 800m heats, Great Britain’s Ethan Hussey, a World U20 bronze medallist, looked to have plenty in hand as he won heat two in 1:47.16 to clinch his place in Sunday’s final. The fastest qualifier was Italy’s Francesco Pernici, winner of heat 1 in 1:45.53.
World U20 champion İsmail Nezir of Türkiye got his campaign off to a confident start, winning the second heat of the men’s 400m hurdles in 50.86. Italy’s Michele Bertoldo was the fastest of the qualifiers, winning heat four in 50.37.
In the women’s 400m hurdles, Austria’s Lena Pressler headed the qualifiers, taking heat one in 57.60.
Chris Broadbent for European Athletics