 Douglas had not been expected to get among the medals |
Britain added a silver and bronze to their medal tally at the European Championships on Saturday, with the promise of more to come on Sunday. Nathan Douglas took a surprise silver in the triple jump behind Christian Olsson while Andy Turner came through late to take 110m hurdles bronze.
And all four of Britain's relay teams qualified for Sunday's finals.
But there was disappointment for Jo Pavey, who led the 5,000m for much of the race but faded to finish fourth.
Douglas produced a jump of 17.21 in the fourth round to snatch silver, although team-mate Phillips Idowu could finish only fifth with his 17.02m.
"I'm relieved and happy," said Douglas.
"It's been a long and hard year for me and I knew I wasn't in the best shape of my life."
Turner was slow from the blocks but came storming off the last hurdle to pip Igor Peremota to third, with Stanislav Olijar winning gold and Thomas Blaschek silver.
 | It's very disappointing not to get a medal - I just didn't have it on the last lap |
Turner said: "I'm really pleased. The race was scratchy, but who cares? I'm not bothered!" Pavey had gone to the front with just 1600m gone but was unable to shake off eventual winner Marta Dominguez, Liliya Shobukhova and Elvan Abeylesgesse, who all came past her with 300m to go.
Pavey said: "It's very disappointing not to get a medal. Maybe I could have run different tactics, but I just didn't have it on the last lap.
"I didn't feel that tired with the early pace so I wanted to give it a go, but by the end I was exhausted."
Britain's 4x400m relay teams both qualified comfortably for their finals by finishing first in their respective semi-finals.
And the men's 4x100m quartet, led home well by Mark Lewis-Francis, looked highly impressive in winning their semi-final in 38.77 seconds.
The women's 4x100m team also made their final, albeit as fastest losers.
Britain's men have won the last five 4x400m European golds, and Tim Benjamin kept hopes of another title alive as he led the team home in 3 mins 2.51 secs.
Benjamin said: "It was awesome to cross the line first for a change."
"I'm not in great shape but we had a lot left.
"I'm looking forward to it. We'll all try our best - this will lift us."
| Some teams are stronger than we anticipated but we have every chance |
The team of Robert Tobin, Rhys Williams, Graham Hedman and Benjamin should remain unchanged for Sunday's final.
But the women's line-up of Emma Duck, Jenny Meadows, Marilyn Okoro and Lee McConnell is likely to be altered at allow Nicola Sanders to run.
McConnell said: "We came here looking for a medal. Some teams are stronger than we anticipated but we have every chance."
Goldie Sayers made sure Britain will have a representative in Sunday's javelin final as she squeezed through with a throw of 58.65m.
Britain's Tracey Morris came home 16th in the marathon but was far from happy with her run.
She said: "Unfortunately it did not go that well. I felt very uncomfortable and had a very bad stomach. I'm a little bit disappointed with the time."
David Hughes finished last his hurdles semi-final and was bitterly disappointed afterwards.
He said: "It's a rhythm event, and once you lose your rhythm you're finished.
"I hit three out of ten hurdles. I'll learn from it and hopefully not make the same mistake next time."
Jade Johnson, who was stretchered off during the long jump warm-up on Friday, was revealed to have suffered a micro-fracture of her left knee.
But a UK Athletics spokeswoman said: "With further physio treatment, she will make a full recovery."
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Replay: Men's 110m hurdles final