Sutton's Julia Bennett was eighth in the decathalon at the European Indoor Champ- ionships in Spain last weekend.

Despite recording three personal bests in the shot putt, long jump and 800 metres, the 27-year-old from Worcester Road finished midway through the field of 16 in Valencia.

The Epsom and Ewell Harrier was the only British athlete invited to take part in the decathlon and only a poor display in the high jump stopped her from earning a new British record.

Last month the teacher took gold in the pentathlon at the AAA Championships.

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