Julia Paternain pride at Great Britain debut in European Under-23 Championships

Julia Paternain described racing for Great Britain as an honour after making her debut for the country at the European Under-23 Championships in Sweden.

The 19-year-old Cambridge & Coleridge AC member qualified to earn her first call-up to the national squad to take part in the women’s 10,000m.

In only her third run on the track over the distance, Paternain raced in a group competing for bronze after Germany’s Alina Reh went off alone for gold and compatriot Miriam Dettke did the same for silver.

Paternain did not quite have the kick in the closing stages, finishing sixth in 33min 51.31sec.

“I didn’t want to go off with them because I know 10,000m is a long way to go,” she told British Athletics.

“I was trying to keep as relaxed as I could. I am pleased with it.

“I wanted to put myself up there to try and win a medal. It didn’t quite work out but I savoured it until the last 800m. I just need to work on my kick a bit more.”

She added: “This is my first time racing for Great Britain and it was a huge honour to put the vest on.

“It has been something I have been working really hard for for a long time so I am happy and feel like I did myself justice.”