Shakes-Drayton brings home double gold

By Louisa Emery on March 4, 2013 2:53 PM |

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Tower Hamlets athlete Perri Shakes-Drayton won double gold at the weekend and became the fastest woman over 400 metres in the world this year.

The 24-year-old who lives in Bow took first place at the European Championships in Gothenburg and followed up her triumph with a second gold in the 400 metre relay.

Shakes-Drayton who clocked an individual 400m time of 50.85s said: "I can feel it in my legs right now but I went out there and did it for the girls. Nobody wants to let anyone down.

"The hard work I have been doing has paid off and I can look forward to the outdoors now."

Her success follows disappointment after missing out on the Olympic final at London 2012.

Shakes-Drayton confirmed she would return to hurdles for the outdoor season.

Taking to Twitter after her win Shakes-Drayton said: "Brilliant day in the office. Double European indoor champ. Thanks for the lovely message and support throughout the weekend. Time to have fun!"

Retired British heptathlete Denise Lewis tweeted her congratulations: "Gold European medallist - not bad for the young girl I met back in '08. Rock on wid your bad self. V proud of u xx."

Fellow East London athlete Newham & Essex Beagles' Christine Ohuruogu was also part of the relay team. They led the race from the first leg, achieving a world leading result and a new British record.

She said: "I always find the 400m indoors hard, but I couldn't complain because these girls are on their fourth run today. For me it was just to come in and keep them motivated for one last push and finish the job."

Great Britain picked up six gold medals on the final day of the competition taking the team's total to eight.