"Unique" Andorran runner happy to defy age

Andorran runner Miguel Alves Fernandes Pita has admitted that his age makes him a "unique" athlete at the European Games in Baku.

At 47, the Portugal-born runner is the most senior man in the athletics competition, but he managed a 10th-placed finish in the 13-strong field in the 5000m at the Olympic Stadium earlier today.

Despite his age, Alves Fernandes Pita - a mechanic for Mercedes - insists that he does not have too many miles on the clock and will compete in tomorrow's 3000m event.

"I am unique in my age. I have never been injured or anything. I am in a good shape. Tomorrow I am running the men's 3000m," he told reporters. "My friend, who is 30 years old, is my trainer. He is very young for me.

"I am Portuguese. I have been competing for Andorra for five years. I used to run marathons in Portugal.

"I have been living in Andorra for 20 years working as a mechanic for Mercedes. I have never been professional. I work as a mechanic."

His race was won by Azerbaijani Hayle Ibrahimov.