In recent months, Gail Duckworth has led the world for the 3000m at the F55 age group as far as times are concerned. Lats year she took two silver medals at the European outdoor championships in Hungary and has won numerous cross-country titles. With her reputation now going before her, she went off to Ghent in Belgium last week for the European Masters Indoor championships as the firm favourite.

Gail's race was on Wednesday afternoon, which was the first day of the five day event for all the leading athletes from Europe aged over 35. Gail is running just about as well now as she ever has and arrived in Belgium full of confidence that she could take her first international track title. However, as the time got nearer the pressure of being favourite gradually built and she arrived at the venue with a lot of nerves. However, she kept herself calm and as she stepped on the track she knew she was ready to go.

Indoor tracks are 200m long and so all the athletes had 15 laps to complete the distance which is just under 1.9 miles. Gail knew she was the best athlete on the track and so decided not to get involved in any tactical racing and went for it from the gun. Only her fellow Brit, Susan Cooper made any attempt to go with her, but was soon dropping off the pace as Gail kept going along at sub 6 minute mile pace.

No other athlete could go along anywhere near the pace of Gail and she lapped almost everyone in the field, before crossing the finish line in 11.10 and 44 seconds ahead of the silver medalist. For those of us who simply do our best to run as much as we can it is difficult to comprehend being the best athlete in Europe for your event. Gail however, continues to lead the way on this front and is a superb ambassador for LBAC. She now has a shiny gold medal to show off, so many many congratulations to our president for yet another fantastic performance.