PAULA Williams won an impressive four medals representing Great Britain at the European Masters Athletics Championships in Pescara, Italy.
Williams claimed gold in the shot put, silver in the 80m hurdles and bronze in both the javelin and 4x100m relay at Stadio Adriatico.
The Stratford-upon-Avon AC athlete came home with four medals despite nursing an Achilles injury throughout the Championships.
Williams said: “I’m so lucky to have competed at these Championships, never mind medal.
“I’m proud of my achievements and I am grateful to Stratford AC coaches Paul Bearman, Sandy Green and Elaine Ledden and Everyone Active Stratford Leisure Centre for all their hard work in getting me there.”
Williams began the competition with bronze in the javelin with a throw of 35.97 metres before taking shot put gold as she broke her own British record with a huge throw of 13.30m.
And she then ran the anchor leg in the 4x100m relay to help Britain claim bronze in a time of 55.31 seconds.
Williams capped a superb competition with silver in the 80m hurdles in a time of 13.11 secs as she limped onto the podium to claim her fourth medal of the Championships with Britain second in the overall standings.
Stratford’s head track and field coach, Paul Bearman, added: “The lead up to the Championships meant Paula had some decisions to make about the events she was going to compete in.
“Ultimately, as always with a Championship, it was all about the medals and the decisions made proved to be the right ones with the medal haul she’s bringing home.
“The extra bonus medal in the 4x100m relay.”
Club chairman, Paul Hawkins, said: “I’m absolutely delighted by Paula’s success at the European Masters Championships.
“I can’t think of anyone who deserves it more and it is a result of her hard work and dedication, as well of course, her natural talent.
“She never misses the opportunity to be smart in her training and preparation and looking at a holistic approach to achieving success.
“Paula is an inspiration to her fellow club members, showing what can be achieved despite suffering from the inevitable injuries.”
