Alex Melloy has medal-winning debut for Great Britain at the European Athletics Under-20 Championships

Alex Melloy had a Great Britain debut to remember by reaching the podium at the European Athletics Under-20 Championships in Estonia.

The Cambridge & Coleridge AC member was taking part in the 3,000m in Tallinn, and was an automatic qualifier through his heat.

In a cagey race, the pace stepped up on the final lap, with Melloy and GB team-mate Will Barnicoat among a leading pack chasing the impressive eventual winner Nicholas Griggs, of Ireland.

With the gold out of reach, Melloy made a late charge for silver but was just pipped by German Yassin Mohumed, and so took the bronze in 8min 18.49sec at his first major junior championships.

“The pace of the race was quicker than I thought it would be,” Melloy told the British Athletics website.

“I just wasn’t expecting it, so there was a little bit of a gap I had to break through and catch up with.

“In the beginning the pace wasn’t sharp enough to do any sort of massive damage, but it picked up quickly and I just wanted to maintain my good position the best way possible.

“In my head I was telling myself ‘try to get the first place’, that was my motivation throughout.

“Unfortunately, I didn’t manage it, but I´m still very pleased and happy with the bronze.

“The young Irish boy was just another class, but I’m sure I’ll get him eventually. It’s my first time representing Great Britain and getting to stand on that podium was very special for me.”