Andy Turner - dropped from lottery funding last year - followed in the footsteps of four-time winner Colin Jackson to claim the 110m hurdles title at the European Athletics Championships in Barcelona.
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Turner was just outside his personal best as he clocked 13.28 seconds to claim Britain's third gold of the championships, with France's Garfield Darien and Hungary's Daniel Kiss completing the podium.
Top ranked European Petr Svoboda was left in tears after clattering a succession of late hurdles, allowing Turner to draw level and then accelerate away. The Czech athlete faded to finish a distant sixth.
"It's a dream come true for me, I knew I was capable but producing it when you need to is another thing," said Turner.
"I got emotional on the lap of honour because it's been a hard couple of years but I love the sport and this is reward for that.
"I was just so happy. It's been a tough two years but I've been chipping away and working really hard and after all those lows you get this.
"You forget about those lows at a time like this, I'm lost for words.
"The funding issue was difficult but I love track and field I love what I do and I just wanted to prove to myself that I could come here and produce the goods.
"I wasn't even in the mix for a medal coming here and look at this."
However, there was disappointment for Turner's team-mate Will Sharman, a finalist at last year's World Championships, who fell victim to the new no-mercy false start rule.
Sharman seemed to be set off early by Poland's twitching Dominik Bochenek, paying the price for his sluggish first round performance with a lane eight draw.
"This new rule is horrible, it's a nightmare. It's a lack of discipline on my part but I felt like it was a long hold," said Sharman.
"I don't ever predict the gun but that's the rules. There is no uniform hold - I've been racing on the circuit all season and the holds are all different.
"I felt the athlete to my left distracted me and I reacted. Once I'd lost my balance I couldn't hold myself.
"I'm very frustrated because I feel in the shape of my life. I'd like to apologise to everyone at home who has supported me.
"I was prioritising these championship over the Commonwealth Games but I'm looking to Delhi now."
Emily Freeman ran a season's best 23.21 seconds in her 200m semi-final but only placed fifth as Russia's Aleksandra Fedoriva advanced to Saturday's final as the most impressive qualifier.
Freeman has been battling injuries all-season and with both legs heavily strapped, it was clear two races in the space of just a few hours - when she has only previously run five times all season - was too much.
"I would have been happier if it was a bit quicker but it's an improvement. Every race I'm improving so I can't ask for more," she said.
"From what I have been through I'm happy to have improved. I've got a smile on my face and a seasons best.
"To run twice on one day was tough but everything is holding up."
Freeman also confirmed she would not compete at October's Commonwealth Games in order to focus on getting fit for next year's World Championships in Daegu.
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