Olijar wins men's 110m hurdles at European Championships

GOTHENBURG: Stanislav Olijar won Latvia's first gold at European championships since 1934 with a comfortable victory in Saturday's 110 metres hurdles final.   

Olijar was never in trouble in a race he won in 13.24 seconds, a remarkable time given a strong headwind and a slight drizzle.   

Germany's Thomas Blaschek was a distant second in 13.46 with Britain's Andy Turner winning the bronze in 13.52.   

The 27-year-old Olijar succeeded Briton Colin Jackson, who won the last four European titles for that event before retiring.    

The Latvian's task was made easier by world champion Ladji Doucoure failing to qualify for the final because of an injury.   

The Frenchman finished fifth in his semi-final and crossed the line limping because of the calf injury that had made him a doubtful starter for the championships. Doucoure tore a right calf muscle in training last month.   

"I almost didn't start," said Doucoure, who burst into the limelight by winning gold for the high hurdles and the 4x100 relay at last year's world championships in Helsinki.   

"I had not recovered from the heat," added the 23-year-old, referring to his opening race on Friday, which had been his first in a month.   

"We did everything we could. I feel like crying."   

Olijar was the first to comfort his rival after Doucoure's misfortune.   

Latvia had been waiting for a continental title since Janis Dalins won the 50 km walk at the inaugural European championships in 1934 in Turin.