Leeds student Weightman shows strength on home straight to secure 1,500m silver

England's Laura Weightman celebrates after finishing in second place in the Women's 1500m Final at Hampden Park

The 23-year-old Leeds Metropolitan University graduate, who is trained by Steve Cram, was strong enough down the home straight to hold off Canada’s Kate van Buskirk and finish second in 4mins 09.24 secs.

She raised her hands to her head in delight and disbelief as she crossed the line behind Kenyan winner Faith Chepngetich Kibiegon.

It was one of five silvers claimed by England’s athletes last night with Laura Samuel in the triple jump, Will Sharman in the 110m hurdles, Ashley Bryant in the decathlon and Nicholas Miller in the hammer also making the podium.

Sheffield’s John Lane had been in silver medal position after eight events of the decathlon but dropped to fourth and out of the medals in the javelin and 1,500m.

The 25-year-old, who was born in California but is now coached by Toni Minichiello, recorded a personal best of 7,922 points.

There was similar anguish for Hull’s 2012 Olympian Alex Smith in the hammer, whose best throw of 70.99m was good enough only for fourth, just 65cms shy of a medal.

York’s Jessica Taylor is in a strong position going into day two of the women’s heptathlon.

The 25-year-old is third after four events having set personal bests in the 100m hurdles and the high jump. Middlesbrough’s Chris Tomlinson qualified sixth for today’s long jump final.