Irish Athletes Secure Multiple Medals at European U-23 Championships

Nick Griggs, a 20-year-old athlete from Tyrone, Ireland, won a silver medal in the men's 5000m at the European Under-23 Championships in Bergen, Norway, clocking 13:45.80. This achievement adds to Ireland's strong medal haul at the event, which included Anika Thompson's gold in the 10,000m and Nicola Tuthill's silver in the hammer throw. Griggs, who has previously medalled at European U-20 and U-23 levels and holds several Irish records, overcame a knee infection earlier in the year to return to form with impressive performances leading up to the championships. In the 5000m final, he led early but was overtaken by Dutch favourite Niels Laros, who won gold with a time of 13:44.74, while Griggs held off a chasing pack to secure silver ahead of Great Britain's Will Barnicoat. Griggs expressed mixed feelings about his performance, highlighting the challenges he faced during the season but emphasizing his strong comeback and potential. His continued success cements his status as a rising star in Irish athletics.