Cavan's Thomas Williams wins gold for Ireland at Euro U18 Championships

Thomas Williams of Ireland competes in the men's hammer throw qualification round during day two of the European U18 Athletics Championships. Picture:  Coen Schilderman/Sportsfile

Thomas Williams has struck gold for Ireland at the European Athletics U-18 Championships in Banska Bystrica, Slovakia, the 16-year-old Cavan athlete launching a 73.95m effort to win the men’s hammer throw. Williams unleashed his winning throw in the third round to take victory ahead of Bulgaria’s Dimo Andreev (72.49m) and Spain’s Magno Llopis (72.48m).

“It’s amazing, I’m so happy,” said Williams. “My first throw, I was panicked because it nearly went out of the sector but as soon as it got in I was happy enough. It was phenomenal, it was so amazing to hear the (Irish fans) screaming. There were so many people watching me at home. Hopefully I get a good podium picture!” He becomes the second sibling from his family to win a European medal at underage level, with older sister Jade winning 400m bronze for Ireland at the 2017 European Youth Olympic Festival.