Shona Richards was over the moon with her debut at the European U23 Championships last weekend, despite missing out on a medal by just 0.01 of a second.

The 19-year-old from Ewell finished fourth in the final of the 400m hurdles in Tallinn, Estonia, a whisker behind bronze and only 0.04 of a second behind silver.

However, she stopped the clock at 56.05 seconds to record a personal best and top the U23 British ranks for the season, as well as become the third fastest Brit overall this year.

Moreover, Richards has also put herself in the frame for selection for the World Championships.

She said: “Before I went for the final I decided it was better to remove pressure from myself.

“I had expectations, but I just thought enjoy yourself and trust your training. So I went out hard and kicked the whole way.”

She added: “I’m happy with my performance, especially out of lane one.

“It is a shame it is so close to second and third, but I am over the moon with the results.”