What a run.
Gina Akpe-Moses claimed gold in the 100m at the U20 European Championships on Friday afternoon and the Louth sprinter cut a delighted figure after the race.
Having beaten Keshia Kwadwo, whom she lost to last year, the 18-year-old produced a commanding performance to take the gold.
Speaking to Athletics Ireland after the race, Akpe-Moses summed up what victory meant to her.
Gina Akpe-Moses on being the 100m European U20 champ! #grosseto2017 pic.twitter.com/siamcYuRk0
— Athletics Ireland (@irishathletics) July 21, 2017
It feels amazing, I am so so happy. I'm really thankful for everybody who helped me to get this far. I'm ecstatic. I can't believe it!
I thought my start was OK. I wasn't out first but I knew I could catch them. Over the last 30m I had to hit it hard. I knew I was catching up to them, I could see them out of the corner of my eyes.
I knew I had to keep pushing to get to the finishing line. I made sure I ran the strongest that I ever have in my life and I got the gold!
It feels amazing, I don't even know how to describe it.
Last year when I came second behind Keisha it was neck and neck. I'm happy that I pulled through and won.
A staggeringly good performance from the gifted Irish sprinter, she shared what her coach Andy Paul said to her before the race.
He told me 'you have this in the bag'. I just said OK, I'll go do it.
Outstanding.
