Doherty goes gold

Tuesday 6th July 2004, 12:00AM BST.

DEBBIE DOHERTY marked her step up into the veteran category with a national track and field title at the first time of asking. The 35-year-old mother of two won the 35-plus 2,000m women’s steeplechase title at the British Masters Nationals at the Alexander Stadium, Birmingham.

‘Considering I’d never done the event before I was very happy,’ said Doherty, who also picked up a silver in the javelin and bronze in the 800 metres.

Her medal haul came on day two of the championships and after a miserable opening day in which she dropped out of the 1500m with an achilles injury. Physio treatment did the trick and she was able to complete her schedule.