Katarina Johnson-Thompson has won gold at the the World Championships.
The Liverpool-born athlete ended a career-long wait for an outdoor medal in Doha by setting a new British heptathlon record with 6,981 points.
Johnson-Thompson secured her country’s third medal at this year’s championships following Dina Asher-Smith’s 200m gold and 100m silver wins.
She beat Nafi Thaim, who had not lost in the field since May 2016, by producing four personal bests in the 100m hurdles, shot-put, long jump and javelin.
“These whole two days have gone so fast. It’s been at night, there are all the lights, it has felt like a dream,” said Johnson-Thompson.
“I cannot believe this result. I am so happy.”
She added: “Everyone’s got their journey. It’s not been very straightforward for me. It’s not been easy for me.
“I had to move coach. I had to move country, I had to learn a new language and settle in. I tore everything up and started again and it’s worked.
“The last two world championships have been heartbreaking for my mum and I. Mid-heptathlon, I’ve gone back to my hotel and cried and cried for hours when things have gone badly.
“It was after the high jump in London in 2017 and after the long jump in 2015 in Beijing. Those were the low points of my career. Rio Olympics, as well.
“I’ve had a lot of bad years. I’m just so happy that I came out in front for a change.”
Among those to congratulate Johnson-Thompson on the victory was actress Jodie Comer, who was her classmate at St Julie’s Catholic High School.
The award-winning Killing Ever star wrote on Instagram: “World champion right there!!!!!!! We couldn’t be prouder of you.
“Your hard work and dedication shows no limits. Soak it all up. You’re the best… it’s actually official. (always has been)!”
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp also saluted Johnson-Thompson’s feat ahead of his side’s Premier League game with Leicester City this weekend.
“I am a big supporter of these kinds of sports anyway – congratulations, brilliant! I knew about her relationship to Liverpool before obviously,” said Klopp.
“I didn’t watch it last night but I saw it this morning first thing in the newspapers. It’s really great – well, well done.
“The German headlines are not too bad as well because the guy who won the [decathlon] competition is from Mainz, a 21-year-old [Niklas Kaul].
“A big day for these two wonderful athletes. It’s really good, well deserved, congratulations!”