Silver for Rimmer (From Ealing Times)

Silver for Rimmer

7:03pm Saturday 31st July 2010 in

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Michael Rimmer claimed Britain's 12th medal of the European Championships with silver in the men's 800 metres in Barcelona.

Rimmer looked on course to claim Britain's first gold in the event since Tom McKean in 1990 when he took over the lead with around 250 metres to go.

The 24-year-old from Southport battled bravely down the home straight but was finally overtaken by Poland's Marcin Lewandowski just metres from the line.

Lewandowski clocked one minute 47.07 seconds with Rimmer just a tenth of a second behind, Poland's Adam Kszczot claiming the bronze.

In a race missing former Olympic champion Yuriy Borzakovskiy and defending champion Bram Som through injury, the medals were wide open and Rimmer ran a good tactical race.

He was on the shoulder of home favourite Luis Alberto Marco at the bell and looked strong as he moved into first place, but Lewandowski - ranked number one in Europe this year - timed his finish to perfection.

A disappointed Rimmer said: "It's very, very tough. I don't know what more I could have done. Maybe I went a bit too soon, I don't know.

"I know for a fact I'm going to hate standing on that podium having to listen to someone else's anthem. I'll be gutted.

"Hopefully next time I'll be on top of it. I apologise to everyone who's watching but I gave it my best."