"When I race, I go out to win."

And win she did. In front of family, friends and a stadium full of onlookers, Croydon's Maya Bruney starred at the under 20 European Athletics Championships.

An Addiscombe resident and Croydon High alumni, Maya produced the performance of her life on the way to a trio of medals, including gold in the 200 metres.

In the 200 metres final, Maya ran a lifetime best time of 23.04 seconds – the fastest time in Europe this year by an under-20 athlete.

She had previously set personal bests in both her heat and semi-final whilst running into strong headwinds.

Her time beat the 30-years old Surrey record of 23.46 set by Shirley Thomas in May 1987.

"My parents, younger sister and even grandparents were in the stadium cheering," Maya said.

"I felt a lot of pressure to perform well because it was the first time my grandparents have seen me run.

"Earlier in the season, I set a goal to get to the European junior finals for the 200m, 4x100m and 4x400m relays.

"To come away as European junior 200m champion and double bronze medalist for both relays is an outcome I only dreamt of."

Maya's performance helped Britain equal their best ever medal haul at a European Junior Championships with 19.

European Athletics awarded Maya female athlete of the championships for being the only person to win three medals during the competition.

"I am taking each step as it comes," Maya said.

"Next year I enter the senior age group. I am nervous but ready to see what the season will hold for me."