A Sheffield-based speed skater has clinched gold in a prestigious European Masters competition.

Keith Wright, who trains at iceSheffield, beat off competition at the Senior and Masters Cup in Utrecht in the Netherlands to take home the top prize in the 500 metre category, after beating second place by more than 1.5 seconds.

The competition saw nearly 40 of Europe’s top Masters skaters from across Holland, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Norway and the UK compete for gold in three distances – 500 metres, 800 metres and 1,000 metres

Keith, aged 51 from Dronfield, who was one of five British skaters to compete at the event, said: “I was up against some of the top masters skaters from all over Europe, so I was really pleased to come away with a gold medal.

“It’s really great to still be skating and getting the opportunity to travel all over the world doing something that I enjoy so much.”

Keith’s recent gold medal follows his huge success at the British Short Track Speed Skating Championships at iceSheffield last April, when he skated to gold in the 500 metre, 800 metre and 1,000 metre over 35s categories.

His speed skating career has spanned over 35 years and started after he moved to Sheffield from Canada.

Mandy Parker, general manager at iceSheffield, which is managed by Sheffield International Venues, said: “It is fantastic to hear of Keith’s latest medal success to add to his many achievements during his career. He is a great ambassador for the sport and iceSheffield.”