Teenage Invicta East Kent AC star Bobby Clay was proud after leading Great Britain’s squad by example at a record-breaking European Junior Championships in Sweden.

Clay, who only turned 18 in May, was named co-captain of the GB under-20 squad in Eskilstuna and lived up to her billing as pre-race favourite in the 1,500m on Sunday by storming to gold.

The Wingham youngster, ranked European No.1 going into the meeting, broke for home with 800m to go to claim a superb victory in a time of 4mins 17.91secs, while close friend and GB team-mate Amy Griffiths held off Germany’s Konstanze Klosterhalfen to complete a GB one-two.

Clay said: “It’s amazing – I just started jumping up and down when I crossed the line. I have been building up to it for so long. It has always been the pinnacle of my season and I remember looking back when I was injured in the winter and aiming just to be on the plane. To be able to pull it out on the day was special.

“The lap of honour was the most amazing thing I have ever done. To be there, with Amy beside me, draped in the flag and everyone shouting your name is something I’ll never forget.

"To get to share the moment with my family at the end of the lap made it even more special.”

Clay, who completes her studies at Sir Roger Manwood’s School, Sandwich, this summer, said: “It was weird waiting for my event on the final day – I just wanted to get out there and race. To wear the blue number (for European No.1) means that everyone is looking at you as the one to beat. Initially, I was worrying a bit but I knew I was capable of doing it.

“It was a bit of pressure but I said to myself to rise to the challenge. I like to think I perform well under pressure but knew I needed to step it up when the time finally came.

“It was brilliant to be given team captain and I feel I’ve done my duty.”

Clay is taking a break from running this week but added: “I have not decided what I am going to do next.

“Whatever happens, even if my season ended now, I can still look back on it as a fantastic season with a massive PB (4.12.20 in Manchester on May 30) and now this. It has been special.”