Exeter teenage running sensation Innes Fitzgerald completed a European Under-20 Championships double at the weekend, picking up her second gold medal of the competition.
Innes, who trains at the City Council-run Exeter Arena, romped to victory in Sunday’s 3,000m, winning by more than 20 seconds and breaking a championship record that had stood for 32 years.
Earlier in the week, she claimed gold in the 5,000m at the Championships in Finland.
She is now hoping to be selected for next month’s World Championships in Tokyo, but faces an agonising wait after finishing third in the UK Championships. Two qualify automatically, but selectors can allocate a third slot.
The Exeter Harrier has had a phenomenal 12 months. Innes, who is a student at the University of Exeter, has been turning heads and smashing records with her impressive style of front-running.
In February, she broke the European Under-20 indoor 3,000m record by an incredible ten seconds and, in the process, took 16 seconds off Zola Budd’s British indoor Under-20 record.
In July, she posted a time of 14:39.56 at the London Diamond League, breaking Zola Budd’s mark by eight and a half seconds — a record that had stood for 40 years.
Innes is coached by Gavin Pavey, who runs the Isca Endurance squad at the Arena. Gavin is no stranger to success, having guided his wife, Jo, to medals at the World, European and Commonwealth Games.
Cllr Duncan Wood, Lead Councillor for Leisure Services & Healthy Living, said:
“Many congratulations to Innes — what an incredible achievement!
“She continues to impress and seems to be maturing into a world-class athlete. Again, it’s wonderful to see the success of a young athlete honing her talent on the track at Exeter Arena. I wish her well for the future.”
Innes plans to race in next week’s Diamond League in Brussels on 22 August.
Exeter Harriers train at Exeter Arena on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. To get involved, visit the Exeter Harriers website at https://exeterharriers.org.uk/.
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