In the absence of a flag on her vest, Yuliya Stepanova stood apart on the opening night of the European Championships in Amsterdam. Not for the first time, she was forging a path separate from her homeland. The only daughter of Mother Russia allowed to compete here, she will also travel onward to Rio to compete under a neutral flag at the Olympic Games as reward for her efforts in blowing the whistle on the systematic doping regime sanctioned deep within the walls of the Kremlin itself.
The touchstone in its exposition, Stepanova had not raced for two years – forced into exile in the USA – until she lined up for the heats of the 800 metres. Courage could not carry her through. Hindered by a heel injury, she pulled up on the final lap. It may have been small consolation but there was gratitude available in abundance, including an embrace from Jenny Meadows who has often suffered at the hands of Russia’s subversives.
“When I've met other Russians who have come back from bans, I’ve found it hard to go up against them, especially when they don’t look remorseful,” said Meadows.
“I’d expect someone who’s been done for doping to feel remorse but they don’t. But they probably think I was doing the same – and every other girl. So I’m really grateful for Yuliya. I always felt she was a bit different to the others. When she knocked me out of the final in Daegu, I could see she felt sorry for me. I’d never experienced that before from a Russian athlete.
“I’m grateful for her. I’ve not really benefited because I’m at the end of my career but the younger athletes – the Lynsey Sharps – they can pick up some medals in the future because they’re competing on a level playing field.”
Elsewhere, Turkey’s Yasemin Can took the European 10,000m title with defending champion Jo Pavey keeping her slim hopes of a fifth Olympics alive in fifth place. While Dina Asher-Smith will start as favourite in tonight’s 200m final after breezing to victory in her semi.
Meanwhile, Jake Wightman believes he can fight for a 1500m medal – and secure the Olympic qualifying standard he needs – when he enters the heats today. “At Europeans, you know that even the favourite can slip up so if you’re in a good place, you will have a chance,” the Scottish prospect declared. “But I have to get through the heats first.”
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