Unstoppable English powers to brilliant 800m gold at European Championships 

GOLDEN MOMENT: Mark English of Ireland celebrates winning the Men's 800m Final on day four of the 2026 European Athletics Championship at Perry Barr's Alexander Stadium, Birmingham.

Mark English raced into the history books in sensational fashion as the 33-year-old veteran scorched to gold in the 800m final at the European Championships in Birmingham. 

The Letterkenny man justified his sparkling seasonal form by winning a tactical decider in 1:45.26 and picking up Ireland's first ever individual gold medal at a European Championships. 

English had blitzed his way into the final setting a new championship record in the semi-final. He didn't need that same speed in the final as he bided his time until overtaking front-running Croatian Marino Bloudek. Bloudek claimed silver in 1:45.62 while Spain's Mohamed Attaoui finished third with 1:45.71. 

One of English's primary rivals for gold, Great Britain’s Mark Bergin, was dramatically forced to withdraw just before the final.

More to come...