Team Newcastle athlete takes European U20 Championship gold in the 100m

Joy Eze, a Team Newcastle athlete, claimed gold at the U20 European Championship 100m in Jerusalem, Israel on Tuesday 8 August 2023.

The Pharmacy undergraduate clocked 11.39 to beat British teammate Renee Regis’ 11.40 in an incredible near photo finish between the Brits. Joy is now the first British female to win the 100m U20 European Championships since 2011.

Reflecting on her achievement, Joy said “I feel very pleased with my race and grateful to have finished first on an international stage! I didn’t have many expectations of myself before the comp as I was ranked about 8th overall having experienced some issues through the season.

“However, I was determined and progressed significantly throughout the rounds and attacked the final from the off. I am extremely grateful to God, my coach, Newcastle University and my family for supporting me.”

This achievement adds to a successful season after Joy created a new championship record back in January where she won the 60m Northern Indoor title and also the 60m at the Indoor BUCS Championships in February.  She also won the English U20 title with a new personal best, putting her 1st in Europe and 5th in the world for U20s.