Isaac Towers misses out on European 400m medal by one hundredth of a second

The 19-year-old Paralympian finished fourth in the European Para Athletics T34 400m final in Berlin. He had claimed silver over that distance at the previous championships two years ago in Italy.

Finland’s Henry Manni retained the title in 54.40secs, beating his own championship record.

Former AKS pupil Tower clocked 56.32, pipped to bronze by the Swiss Bojan Mitic with 56.31.

Britain were guaranteed at least one medal, with three GB athletes among the five finalists, though only Ben Rowlings of Shropshire made the podium, claiming silver in 55.92.

Towers, now based at Loughborough University, has another chance to win a medal on Sunday, when he defends his 800m title. Isaac claimed 800m bronze at the Rio Paralympics.