19th July 2009 05:51
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| Russia's middle distance star Natalya Popkova (third from front) is seen here running in only one shoe during the women's 10000m. Popkova's shoe came off with five laps to go (and can be seen just above her head), but the 20-year-old still maintained her poise and went on to win the race. She subsequently won the 5000m as well, leading her country to the top of the medals table at the European Athletics U23 Championships that concluded in Kaunas, Lithuania, on Sunday. Photo by Andreas Bube. |
The Russians, led by the likes of Aleksandra Fedoriva - already an Olympic sprint relay gold medalist and who pocketed gold in the 200m here - and 5000m/10000m winner Natalya Popkova, won 25 medals in total - 12 gold, eight silver and five bronze.
Great Britain and N.I. finished second in the medals table with 18, a haul which included seven gold, six silver and five bronze.
Germany took third spot in the medals table with 12. They claimed four gold, four silver and four bronze.
Poland claimed 15 medals for fourth position, with four golds, three silver and eight bronze.
Ukraine won 10 medals but no golds were in the haul. They won six silver and four bronze.
The 2011 European Athletics U23 Championships will be held in Ostrava, Czech Republic.
Click here for complete medals table