IPC European Championships: Gold again for Samantha Kinghorn and Maria Lyle

Gordon’s Samantha Kinghorn cruised to her third gold medal and Dunbar’s Maria Lyle to her second in another medal-filled day for the British team.

Kinghorn added T53 800m gold to her previous triumphs in the 100m and 400m to complete a remarkable international debut for the teenage prodigy.

The 18-year-old wheelchair athlete said: “I’m ecstatic, I just can’t believe it. I came here just to do my best and see what happens and that what happens turned into three gold medals. It’s been a crazy few days but I have tried to focus while still enjoying it and taking it all in.

“I might cry this time. The first two times I couldn’t get my emotions up too high because I didn’t want to carry that into my next races. I just wanted to stay focused and I’ve got three gold medals which is far more than I expected,” added Kinghorn, who will compete at the Sainsbury’s IPC Grand Prix final on Sunday.”

Lyle, meanwhile, showed maturity beyond her years as the 14-year-old blew the competition away in the T35 200m to claim gold and add to the 100m title she picked up in similar style on Wednesday.

The precocious talent from Dunbar never looked back as she led from start to finish in windy conditions to claim the sprint double crossing the line in impressive time of 31.05

Lyle, who has cerebral palsy, said afterwards: “I’m really happy and I’m glad all the hard work paid off. I just want to thank everyone for helping me. I just need to keep training like I always do and working hard.

“I need to keep training and doing what I’m doing and hopefully I’ll be selected to go to the World Championships. The support here has been really good and keeps me going. I was exhausted going for my celebration, but I’m very pleased.”