What a performance!
Mark English has claimed a bronze medal in the 800m final at the European Championships, producing a brilliant run in Munich this evening.
The Donegal man entered the race with genuine medal hopes, aiming to add to the bronze he won in this event back in 2014.
He looked comfortable in the race, leading from the front throughout. He kept pace with the leaders in the final lap, and while at one point it looked as though the chasing pack were about to catch up, English finished strongly to ensure he would end up in the medal positions.
Ireland's Mark English has won bronze in the men's 800m final at the European Championships in Munich. #RTEsport pic.twitter.com/lynxnyj4CN
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) August 21, 2022
The 29-year old has been back to his very best this season.
Last month English finished tenth overall at the World Championships in Eugene, Oregon missing out on a final spot by the narrowest of margins.
His 1.44.76 clocking at those championships was his second fastest time ever, 0.05s off his national record.
The athlete is now coached by Feidhlim Kelly and is a member of the esteemed Dublin Track Club. Since joining the group he has gone from strength to strength and will feel like his best days are ahead of him.
Mark English thrilled with European bronze
Speaking to RTÉ after the race, Mark English said he was thrilled to come away with a bronze medal. He also revealed that he feels his hunger for the sport has allowed him to compete at the top level for so long, with this medal coming eight years after his first at these championships.
I feel pretty chuffed.
It went exactly how I thought it would from an objective point of view. I'm really happy to come away with a medal...
I had a feeling [Mariano] Garcia would make the same move as he did yesterday. I was looking up at the screen waiting for him, I could see him making his move so I just moved to the front. I figured if I could slot in behind him the whole way that would be a good move.
I was quite goosed out there tonight. It was difficult to hold on, so I'm delighted that I came away with a medal...
I was absolutely flat out, there was nothing else I could give...
I guess I still have that hunger for it, that's always the big thing I think. I have heard from older athletes that the hunger could go, it's tough to keep it up.
I had a good year this year. I came tenth in the World Championships and I came third here, so I'll count that as an achievement for this year. I'm really happy...
I just need to power on now and try and get the qualification for the worlds next year. I think the standard has gone up again, so I'll try and get as many ranking points as I can while I'm in good shape.
Now in the middle of the Olympic cycle, this medal is sure to power Mark English on to further successes in the future.
He will be aiming for a big performance at the World Championships in Budapest next year, hoping to reach the final after just missing out in Oregon.
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