 Gevaert is now aiming for the sprint double |
Belgian Kim Gevaert powered to the European 100m title as Britain's Joice Maduaka agonisingly finished fourth. Gevaert was clear of her rivals as she cruised home in 11.06 seconds to better the silver she won four years ago.
Russian Yekaterina Grigoryeva ran a season's best 11.22 to take silver with compatriot Irina Khabarova third in the same time.
Maduaka, 32, is enjoying a resurgence but a poor start saw her edged out of the medals in 11.24.
The Londoner's form has turned round since meeting new coach Thomas Johnson at the World Indoors and she credited him with her success, which saw her reach a major final for the first time in four years.
"I've only been working with Thomas since March and he's been coaching me on the phone," said Maduaka.
"We should be happy but I came here with a plan and I didn't achieve it. I am upset."
Gevaert's win saw her become the first Belgian woman to win gold outdoors at a European Championships and gave the country its first European title in 35 years.
"The pressure was enormous and I was very nervous," she admitted. "But in the race I managed to stay calm. I am so relieved, because one never knows what can happen in a final.
"I've worked so hard this year and this is the first time I have done a good 100m at a big championship because so many times I have messed up."
"I knew I had to do a big start and that gave me the wings to just keep on going and I was so happy to be the first across the line."
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Replay: Gevaert wins women's 100m