Irish runner Mark English clinches historic 800m gold in Birmingham

At the European Athletics Championships in Birmingham, Mark English secured Ireland’s first men’s gold medal by winning the 800 metres in 1:45.26, overtaking Croatia’s Marino Bloudek in the last 100 metres. English, the 33-year-old doctor, had set a new European semi-final record and previously earned bronze medals in 2014 and 2022. British runner Max Burgin pulled out of the final with an injury, allowing teammate Ben Pattison to finish sixth.

The night also saw Rhasidat Adeleke capture a 200-metre silver for Ireland, finishing just behind home favourite Amy Hunt and setting a new Irish record of 22.28 seconds. Spain’s Mohamed Attaoui took bronze in the men’s race, while the Croatian runner earned silver. Adeleke’s performance marked a return to form after an injury-laden season and added to her European medal tally.