LAUREN Williams returned from the European Athletics Championships curtain raiser in Germany with a gold medal and a new national junior record.

The Trefeglwys star broke the Welsh junior 400m hurdles record with a time of 58.09 to set a new PB and smash the 30 year old Welsh record.

Williams, representing the Great Britain under 20s team, lined up against some of the top emerging athletes from France and Germany at Berlin’s Olympic Stadium and confessed her surprise to end top of the podium.

“I am in so much shock to be honest,” said Williams. “The German and French girls were much quicker than me on paper so to win was a surprise.

“ When I crossed the line and saw 58.09 on the clock I couldn’t believe it. I was so overwhelmed it was just such an amazing moment in that stadium.

“I’m delighted to have broken the junior Welsh record as it’s been there since 1985.”

Williams missed out on the World Junior Championships but her remarkable form this season has ensured her standing at the top of the British under 20s rankings.

“It’s a little bit bittersweet that I hit the time after World Junior Championships but it is a massive confidence boost going into winter training ready for next year.”