Baddeley switch is golden

Jun 25 2008 by Our Correspondent, Birkenhead News

WIRRAL’S Andy Baddeley claimed gold in the 3,000 metres as Great Britain won the European Cup in Annecy, France.

Baddeley, a revelation when running under three minutes 50 seconds to win the Dream Mile in Oslo a fortnight ago, showed again what an improved middle-distance runner he is.

Stepping up to 3000m, he zig-zagged up the track past Spain’s European 5000m champion Jesus Espana, who had nothing left as Baddeley edged ahead to win by 0.34secs in eight minutes 01.28 seconds.

Andy, pictured right, said: “Actually I had no tactic in mind before the race, just run and look on the next step. On some occasions, I wasn’t very well placed in the race. But the finish was great.”