Nick Griggs landed silver for Ireland in the U23 race at the European Cross Country Championships in Antalya.
The 19-year-old, last year's U20 bronze medallist, narrowly missing out on gold to Will Barnicoat after a late surge. Barnicoat successfully defended his title.
“Everyone wants to go out and win gold” explained Griggs. “I’m the nearly-man at these championships with two silvers and one bronze individually in the last three years.
“I’m happy and I think it’s something I’ll appreciate as I get older.” Griggs went on, “I love these championships and it’s a special one for me”.
Nick Griggs chats to us after winning U23 silver at the European Cross Country Championships in Antalya 🥈🤩#IrishAthletics | @Ask123ie pic.twitter.com/W7lTBYyDjm
— Athletics Ireland (@irishathletics) December 8, 2024
“I always like to step up and perform at my best when I have the Irish vest on” added the Tyrone athlete who was just one second behind gold medallist Barnicoat.
“I knew it was a long home straight and not to make any moves too early, but the best man won on the day and one of these years I will win at these championships.”
Hopes of a potential U23 team medal for Ireland faded over the closing stages. Niall Murphy (Ennis Track) finished 23rd and Callum Morgan (Candour Track Club) 29th to see Ireland finish fourth with 54 points. 12 points behind bronze medallists Denmark.
Laura Mooney (Tullamore Harriers) produced a huge performance in the women’s U23 race, finishing seventh. National champion Emma McEvoy also secured a top 20 finish in 13th place as Ireland finished fifth.
Mullingar's Dalton leads Irish men home
Niamh Allen (Leevale AC) produced a remarkable senior debut to finish 11th on her European Cross Country debut. Just three months on from giving birth to her daughter Lily.
Allen led the senior women’s team home to 10th place; with Cheryl Nolan (St Abbans AC) and Ann-Marie McGlynn (Letterkenny AC).
The senior men’s team finished eighth with Mullingar Harriers Cormac Dalton leading the team home for the second consecutive year in 21st place.
The U20 men’s and women’s teams finished outside the top five in their races.
