Tomblin wins first GB male Euro artistic swimming gold
- Published
Great Britain won seven medals as Ranjuo Tomblin became the first British male to win a European artistic swimming title with victory in the men's solo event in Belgrade, Serbia.
It was the 18-year-old's third medal of the European Aquatics Championships.
Tomblin had earlier won bronze in the mixed duet free event with Beatrice Crass, and silver in the men's solo technical.
"I wasn’t coming into this competition really expecting anything, I just wanted to swim my best," Tomblin said.
"I had the back injury at the beginning of the season and to actually do that and beat some of my idols and some of my main rivals is unbelievable.
"It's an unreal moment, a moment I won’t forget in my whole life. I’m hoping I will pave the way to many other boys in the future and I’m thankful to all the men before me who have fought for this opportunity for me and all the other boys that are able to compete today."
Britain picked up seven medals in Serbia this week, with Tomblin teaming up with Beatrice Crass for a bronze in the mixed technical duet discipline.
Olympians Kate Shortman and Isabelle Thorpe earned a silver in the duet free and technical duet events.
Lily Halasi, Florence Blinkhorn, Robyn Swatman, Amelie Williams, Rhea Howard, Sophie Rowney, Holly Hughes, Magdalena Townsend, Eve Young and Eleanor Blinkhorn signed off a successful week for Great Britain by taking bronze in the team free event.
The swimming events start on Monday.