Eilidh Child speaking to BBC Sport after reaching the final of the women's 400m hurdles: "My coach just said to do what I did yesterday, but finish it off because I knew girls would be closer to me. I'm happy with that.

"Having the inside draw, it's nice to know what's going on. Ultimately I've got to concentrate on my own race but it's nice to know where everyone is when you're coming down the home straight.

"I'm just trying to enjoy every race. The Commonwealths was amazing and I'm just loving coming out here and racing again."

Colin Jackson
Two-time world 110m hurdles champion and BBC Sport athletics expert

Image source, AFP

"It was a strong performance - a good, solid performance - from Eilidh. She is Europe's number one and in her mind, and her coach's mind, they will have wanted to win this race and win it well. It's important for the lane draws and lane four or five is ideal for her.

"In this event, known as the man killer, you want to save as much energy as you can."

Czech Republic's Denisa Rosolova (54.96) was second in that second 400m hurdles semi-final, while Axelle Dauwens (55.63) qualified for the final in third spot. The two fastest losers also came from that race, with Poland's Joanna Linkiewicz and Russia's Vera Rudakova sneaking through.

Child quickly closes on Belgium's Axelle Dauwens on her outside... The Scot cruising through the first 300m and is in front as she comes out of the bend... An impressive 54.71sec-run from the Commonwealth silver medallist as she wins her semi-final.

Steve Cram
BBC athletics commentator

"That's more like it and it was a good run from Titimets. She didn't panic after the first 200m. She stuck to her stride pattern and trusted herself.

"She's raced Eilidh Child numerous times this year and Eilidh has come out on top, but that will give her some confidence."

The top three in each race automatically qualify for the final so joining Titimets will be Russia's Irina Davydova (55.69) and Italy's Yadisleidy Pedroso (56.07).

Image source, AFP

A bit of fidgeting on the blocks, the starter is unhappy so asks the athletes to get set once more. We go again...

Liga Velbere reacts the quickest from the blocks but quickly fades and Ukraine's goggle-wearing Anna Titimets wins by a handsome margin, crossing the line in a season's best 54.90 sec.

The women's 400m hurdles semi-finals are about to get under way and Europe's number one, Eilidh Child, is racing in the second heat.

The two-time European silver medallist has yet to finish outside the top three in any of her races this season and her season's best (54.39sec) is quicker than any of her rivals in heat two so it should be a doddle.

Paula Radcliffe
Marathon world record holder and BBC Sport athletics expert

"It will be a positive atmosphere. Good performances really set the ball rolling for the rest of the team. They see it and think they want a little bit of it but think they are capable too.

"When you see unexpected performances from people like Jo Pavey and Andy Vernon it will inspire them."

Denise Lewis
Olympic heptathlon gold medallist and BBC Sport athletics expert

"The GB team is in great shape, morale is high and, after a stirring speech from Goldie Sayers, everyone wants a bit of the action."

Did anyone say gold rush? Yeehaw! Yes, Britain top the medal table after winning three golds on a wet and windy Wednesday in Zurich, with Mo Farah, James Dasaolu and Tiffany Porter all winning to give the team the perfect start. There are five gold medals to be won this evening, although it is unlikely that there will be too many 24-carat gold-winning performances from those in British vests but that doesn't mean it won't be fun.

Image source, Getty Images

Former European and Commonwealth champion Turner finished as a fastest loser in the heats for this evening's 110m hurdles semi-finals (which start from 18:15 BST) so it is open to question whether he has enough gas in the tank to reach tonight's final. How will the 33-year-old perform at his last major event? Stay tuned.

Hello! Welcome to live text coverage of the European Championships in Zurich.

Image source, Getty Images

Eleven-time British champion Sayers competes in the javelin final this evening, but the words she uttered in her Churchillian captain's speech will perhaps resonate most deeply with Andy Turner, a former European champion who has decided it's time to ring the last bell and retire at the end of the year.

"How would you perform if this was the last time you would ever compete?" The words of British team captain Goldie Sayers on the eve of the European Championships.