Exeter’s Innes Fitzgerald set for European Championships debut

Exeter’s teenage running sensation Innes Fitzgerald is set to test herself against Europe’s finest this weekend as she competes in the European Athletics Indoor Championships in Apeldoorn, Netherlands.

The 18-year-old Exeter Harrier, who trains at the Exeter Arena track, will line up in the Women’s 3,000m heats at 9.20am GMT on Saturday (8 March). Fans can watch the action live on BBC Sport as she makes her senior international championship debut.

Fitzgerald has enjoyed a remarkable few months, announcing herself as one of Britain’s brightest young talents. In February, she smashed the European under-20 indoor 3,000m record by 10 seconds, also obliterating Zola Budd’s British indoor under-20 record by 16 seconds.

Her rapid progression continued at the UK Indoor Championships in Birmingham, where she fearlessly led the race before securing bronze - holding off elite competition, including Tokyo Olympic silver medallist Laura Muir until the final two laps. That performance sealed her Great Britain selection for the European Championships.

Fitzgerald is coached by Gavin Pavey, who runs the Isca Endurance squad at Exeter Arena. Pavey is no stranger to success, having guided his wife Jo Pavey to World, European, and Commonwealth medals.

Cllr Duncan Wood, Exeter’s Lead Councillor for Leisure Services & Healthy Living, praised Fitzgerald’s achievements:

“Innes’ form has been nothing short of remarkable in recent weeks. She has already demonstrated that she is comfortable in top-class fields as well as making the progression from junior to senior athletics. It’s wonderful to see a young athlete, who is honing her talent on our very own Exeter Arena track, doing so well on the European stage. We wish her all the best for the Championships and for the future.”

Exeter Harriers train at Exeter Arena on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Aspiring athletes looking to follow in Fitzgerald’s footsteps can find out more at Exeter Harriers.

With her rapid rise and fearless racing style, Fitzgerald will be one to watch this weekend as she takes on Europe’s best in the 3,000m. Will she blaze past Europe’s best or add another chapter to her record-breaking rise? Tune in on BBC Sport and cheer on Exeter’s latest running sensation!