Sarah Healy embraced the chaos to triumph after race plan had to be binned

“My race plan was to try have a smooth run which was the opposite of what I had in the end," said Sarah Healy after winning gold for Ireland in the 3000m at the European Indoors. 

EUROPEAN CHAMPION: Disappointments in previous championships made Sarah Healy's victory feel "so special". Pic: ©INPHO/Morgan Treacy

Soon after she walked off the track in Apeldoorn, the tricolour draped around her shoulders, Sarah Healy looked out of the mixed zone and saw a very welcome sight looking back. Standing near a railing, patiently waiting, were her parents.

Once her interview duties were complete, with so many in the media wanting a word with the Dubliner, she darted out a gap in the railing and into her mother’s arms. It was about 20 seconds later before she came up for air.