Islington teenager Desirèe Henry wins European gold in 4X100m

Great Britain's Desiree Henry crosses the line to win the women's 4x100m relay final during day six of the 2014 European Athletics Championships at the Letzigrund Stadium, Zurich. By Adam Davy/ PA

Rory Brigstock-BarronTuesday, August 19, 2014
1:10 PM

A teenage Islington sprinter has helped Great Britain to it’s greatest ever European Championships medal haul.

Great Britain's (left-right) Desiree Henry, Jodie Williams, Ashleigh Nelson and Asha Philip pose with their gold medals after winning the women's 4x100m relay final during day six of the 2014 European Athletics Championships at the Letzigrund Stadium, Zurich.

Desirèe Henry, 19, ran an impressive anchor leg on Sunday to help her team to a British record time of 42.25 in the 4X100m, the last action of the athletics tournament being held in Zurich this year.

Henry, who studied a diploma in sports science from City and Islington College, also came 7th in the 100m individual event earlier last week – clocking up a personal best.

She was part of the most successful Great British team in the 80-year history of the competition, topping the standings with 23 medals in total, including 12 golds.

The teenager, who was chosen to carry the Olympic torch as a future star in 2012, tweeted her delight following the victory.

Desiree Henry

“Gold medal and National record in the 4x100”, she posted, “man I’m so happy! This has truly been an emotional experience.

“From not medalling at my World Junior Championships to anchoring the senior 4x100 to the fastest GB time ever!”

Henry won student of the year at CANDI in 2013 and college representatives described her as a model student who consistently achieved distinction grades.