Stefan Nillessen wins European 1500m gold with 3:35.70 surge

Stefan Nillessen won the European 1500m title in Birmingham in 3:35.70 after a decisive late surge. The Dutchman covered the final 100 metres in 12.60 seconds, moving from fourth place to first in the closing stages.

Jake Wightman and Jake Heyward had controlled the race at the head of the field as the runners came through the last bend. Nillessen then found the speed to pass both British athletes and claim his first senior international title.

Sweden’s Samuel Pihlström took silver in 3:36.16, while Ireland’s Andrew Coscoran secured bronze in 3:36.24. Heyward finished fourth in the same time as Coscoran, followed by Britain’s Arlo Ludewick in 3:36.65 and Wightman in 3:37.18.

The result marks a rapid step up for Nillessen, who had already won the European under-23 title. His finish overturned a race that appeared to be developing into a contest between the two British runners before the final straight.

The 1500m final was held at the Alexander Stadium on Saturday night, August 15. Portugal’s reigning world champion Isaac Nader finished 12th in 3:39.69, leaving Nillessen as the new senior European champion after one of the meeting’s most dramatic finishes.