MARK English says he is ‘excited’ for the European Championships 800 metres final tonight as he eyes up a medal.
English has previously won five European medals between Indoor and Track & Field Championships.
A gold medal has eluded him so far but the 33-year-old is in the form of his life and he will go into the final in Birmingham high on confidence.
The Finn Valley AC man broke the championship record when he posted 1:43.49 on his way to winning his semi-final on Wednesday.
That makes him the man to beat but English is grounded and he knows there’s a big challenge ahead to reach the podium, never mind to top it.
That said, he is feeling good about himself at present.
“I’m excited for the final, and I was excited for today and every race I go into, I’m excited for,” said English after his semi-final.
“It’s just really about showing the work that I have put in.
“I have worked hard so it would be a shame not to be able to show it and I think that’s what you will see tomorrow again.”
The championship record had stood since 1978 but was beaten by English who put himself in a good position early on in the race.
The Letterkenny native looked strong throughout and took his opportunity when it arose, winning ahead of Great Britain’s Ben Pattison and France’s Corentin Le Clezio.
“I actually saw the championship record before starting the race and I thought that will probably go at some stage in this Championship.
“It was nice to get it but it’s a new race again tomorrow and everyone starts from zero.
“It will be an interesting race.”
It was only in the final stretch that English pulled away from his opponents.
However, it was still a controlled display and he stuck to his plan.
“I think the key is just not panicking.
“As you saw behind me, I think a lot of the guys ran 1:43 so it’s a really good competition.
“I know going into tomorrow they will all be gunning for their best race and so will I.
“It will be an exciting race and I’m looking forward to it.”
There has been criticism of the poor attendances at the European Championships in Birmingham but there has been a sizeable Irish support which English appreciates.
“It’s brilliant.
“When I came up the stairs, I saw more people in the stand.
“It’s brilliant to see so much green and I got a great roar before the start of the race.
“It’s always amazing to hear that and hopefully I can put on a show again tomorrow.”
The 800 metres final takes place this evening (Thursday) at 9.28pm.