JOANNE CUDDIHY probably won’t win a medal at the European championships in Gothenburg — a cruel draw may have decided that last night when she drew Lane 1 for tonight’s final — but she won a special place in the hearts of Irish athletics fans with a courageous performance in the semi-finals of the women’s 400m.

LIAM REALE, in his first appearance at a major championship, qualified for the final of the men’s 1,500m with a never-say-die performance at the European Championships in Gothenburg last night, finishing eighth in 3:41.97 in a heat that produced all four fastest losers.

Ivan Heshko won a thrilling BUPA Great North Mile in Newcastle, England, this afternoon.

HICHAM El Guerrouj of Morocco ended eight years of agony in Athens last night as he won the Olympic Games men’s 1500 metres gold medal.