Mark English has finally got his hands on the European title.

The Donegal middle-distance runner produced a superb performance in Birmingham to claim gold in the men’s 800 metres, becoming the first Irishman to win a European Championships title in the event.

English stopped the clock at 1:45.26, finishing ahead of Croatia’s Marino Bloudek in 1:45.62, while Spain’s Mohamed Attaqui took bronze in 1:45.71.

The race was won through patience and timing.

English stayed in a strong position during the opening lap, keeping close to the leaders before following Bloudek around the final bend.

With his coach having stressed the importance of making just one decisive move, English waited for his opportunity before accelerating down the home straight.

Once he hit the front, there was no catching him.

The experienced Donegal athlete was able to ease off before the line and celebrate a landmark victory.

For English, the gold medal completes a collection that had been missing one important piece.

He has been competing at the highest level for more than a decade and had previously won European medals, but gold had continued to elude him.

“I can’t sum it up. I think I’m relieved more than anything,” English said afterwards.

“I really wanted a gold medal today and just really thankful I took it home.”

The 800m champion admitted that winning a major title had become increasingly important to him as his career progressed.

“I knew I wouldn’t have been happy if I couldn’t finish my career without a title,” he said.

English also revealed just how much the moment meant to him, saying he had imagined what it would feel like to cross the line first at a major championship.

But nothing could quite prepare him for the reality.

“I have dreamt of that moment before,” he said.

“It’s totally different when you experience it. It’ll take me a while to process it.”

There was also a special atmosphere inside the Birmingham stadium, with a huge Irish contingent getting behind English during the race.

The Donegal man singled out the support from his home club Finn Valley, as well as Patsy McGonagle and supporters from home.

He described the reception as the biggest Irish support he had ever experienced at a race.

After 12 years of collecting championship medals, English finally has the one he wanted most.

“I’ve had every other colour except gold,” he said.

“Today I finally get to stand on top of that podium.”

For Mark English, it is a moment that will go down as one of the defining achievements in Irish athletics history.

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