O'Connor leads heptathlon into final 800m with 51-point cushion at European Championships

Kate O'Connor of Ireland led the women's heptathlon at the European Athletics Championships in Birmingham with 5,812 points after six events, 51 ahead of the Netherlands' Emma Oosterwegel (5,761). The world silver medallist needed to finish within 3.5 seconds of Oosterwegel in the concluding 800m to secure continental gold. The race was scheduled for 7.45pm UK time.