MEN’S 4X400M RELAY AND KORCZAK REACH EUROPEAN U20 FINALS

The men’s 4x400m relay team produced a superlative performance as they made it through to the final as the fastest qualifiers overall, while Elizabeth Korczak moved into the women’s javelin final on the third morning of action in Tallinn, Estonia.

In the relay, Brodie Young (James McMenemy, Airdrie Harriers), who ran in the individual 400m on Thursday, got the team off to a fantastic start over the opening lap as he handed over to Samuel Reardon (Nigel Stickings, Blackheath and Bromley) in the lead.

The Blackheath and Bromley athlete then produced a devastating turn of speed on the second lap which saw him reach the break first and put the GB outfit into a convincing lead. His 46.1 lap assured the team a comfortable advantage as they headed into the final two legs.

However, the job still needed to be sealed and Reuben Henry-Daire (Paul Herrington, Reading AC) maintained the lead on leg three before handing over to Daniel Joyce (Peter Venus, Tynedale) who guided the team to the quickest time of the day in 3:08.74, moving into the final at 17:20 BST on Sunday.

Young said, “It was a much better performance than my individual 400m. I knew I had to go out and redeem myself, so I tried to set out hard and try to catch the Turkish team that were in the lane outside of me. I knew I had to keep pushing in the home straight so I could put Sam in a good position so he could get out in front after the split.”

Reardon added, “Brodie had a great first leg so I just tried to extend that lead so it would be easier for us to get through to the final, and I guess I did that!”

Leg three runner, Henry-Daire, said, “I just saw Sam running and thought I’ve got to keep up with him, we’ve all got to do our part. Brodie did brilliantly too. I had to hold it to make sure Joycey was clear on the last leg. I’m just really proud of us all.”

Bringing the team home, Joyce, who competed in the 800m heats yesterday morning, commented, “Just being a part of it was insane. It was so much fun. The three lads did such a good job and they put me way ahead so all I had to do was jog it in.”

Elizabeth Korczak (Bob Willows) reached the women’s javelin final during the last action of the morning session. She opened with a mark of 46.69m, then threw 47.05m on her second effort, but she sat outside the top 12 automatic qualifying places after two rounds.

Going into her final throw, she knew she needed an improvement if she was going to reach the European final and she stepped up to do just that. The Brighton and Hove athlete threw the javelin out to 48.37m which moved her inside the top 12 to qualify for the final.

A delighted Korczak said afterwards, “The distance wasn’t quite where I wanted it, but I qualified so hopefully there is more to come tomorrow. I am really looking forward to it.”

In women’s shot put qualifying, Nana Gyedu (John Hillier, Blackheath and Bromley) missed out on a spot in this evening’s final. 13.97m was the best throw of her series, adding to marks of 13.95m and 13.14m, but with the automatic qualifying mark of 15.60m or at least the best 12 performers progressing, the Blackheath and Bromley athlete did not qualify. She finished 16^th after the completion of both qualifying pools.

Sadly, there were three fouls for Funmi Olajide (Geraldine Heapy, Thurrock) in the women’s long jump qualification, so with no mark made she did not progress to the final.

The event is streamed on the European Athletics website and live results can be found here: https://tallinn21-u20results.european-athletics.com/en/results/athletics/daily-schedule.htm

British team medals:

Gold (2):

Edward Faulds – Men’s 400m

Toby Makoyako – Men’s 100m

Silver (1):

Mary John – Women’s 400m

Bronze (1):

Joy Eze – Women’s 100m