Slovak athlete Emma Zapletalová has won the European title in the 400 metres hurdles in Birmingham.
The 26-year-old confirmed her status as the favourite, winning in 52.91 seconds. Britain's Emily Newnham finished second in 53.33, while Portugal's Fatoumata Bintou Diallo took bronze in 53.55.
Zapletalová started in lane seven. She was second after two hurdles, but moved into the lead after the eighth. She maintained her advantage through the final stages to secure the gold medal.
Her victory brings Slovakia its second gold medal in athletics at the European championships as an independent country. The first was won by current Slovak Athletics Federation head coach Libor Charfreitag in the hammer throw in Barcelona in 2010.
Zapletalová, who leads this year's rankings with a time of 52.30 seconds, has therefore fulfilled her goal for the championships.
Source: Slovak Olympic Committee / STVR
