Ciara Mageean has won a gold medal in the 1500m final at the European Athletics Championships in Rome.
The Portaferry athlete came home in a time of 4:04.66.
It's a third European outdoor medal for Mageean after her bronze in Amsterdam eight years ago and the silver won in Munich in 2022.
She managed to find a gap between the British pair of Jemma Reekie and Georgia Bell and then kicked for home, showing much grit and determination, brilliantly in the straight.
The other Irish competitor in the field, Sarah Healy, finished seventh in a time of 4:06.77.
Gold 🥇 for Ciara Mageean in the women's 1500m final!!!☘️ #Roma2024
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) June 9, 2024
📺 Watch on @RTE2 & @RTEplayer pic.twitter.com/u9agcdv6MP
"Words can't even come close" was Mageean's initial reaction when she spoke to RTÉ Sport afterwards.
Everybody back home knows how long I have been doing this, how hard I have been trying. I've had so many times when I've come off races and not felt the way I am today.
"I went out on that track today super nervous, but I had a plan and a mission, that was to hear Amhrán na bhFiann.
"I didn't grow up playing camogie to get boxed in."
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) June 9, 2024
Ciara Mageean gives her reaction to @DavidGillick after winning GOLD 🥇 in the women's 1500m Final at the European Athletics Championships☘️ #Roma2024 pic.twitter.com/kIynFPW0WV
"When I was getting a bit boxed in, I thought 'Oh my God'. I have all the legs left but nowhere to go.
"I didn't grow up playing camogie to get boxed in.
"I want to thank everybody who has helped me get here today to win my first senior gold medal for Ireland. To be at the top of the podium and to hear our National Anthem and to show world athletics that the Irish are here.
"We are here to show where we belong."
Mageean then had a word of thanks for everyone at home.
"Mummy, Daddy, I love you to bits! Thank you for everything, we did it."
With 120 metres to go in the race, the space for Mageean to make her final push was narrow.
There's nothing like a gold medal to get the RTÉ Sport panel on their feet 🥇
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) June 9, 2024
Incredible stuff from @ciaramageean 👏@dervalorourke @rm_heffernan @soniaagrith #Roma2024 pic.twitter.com/wEg3QJlFib
She was, however, determined to find that gap.
"Look, I knew I had it in my legs, I was feeling good. It often opens up and I was telling myself not to panic. To put the brakes on then try to come back really hinders you when you're running. I said, 'I'm getting a gap, I have to get a gap'. The gap had to come and it was going to come. I made sure with 100 metres to go that I saw a little bit of light and I was taking it.
"I grew up being strong and showing my presence; I did it on the track out there today, and I came home with gold."
Looking ahead to what's to come and with the Paris Olympics in mind, the 32-year-old said "she's not the polished item yet".
She added: "It's only the beginning of the season and everyone knows we have much bigger goals coming in August. I feel I'm at the beginning of where my shape can be."
