OWEN SMITH endured a frustrating European Indoor Championships.

The Sychdyn-raised runner cruised into the 400m semi-finals, finishing second in his heat behind eventual silver medalist, Oscar Husillos, in a time of 47.39.

“Job done and big Q, into the semi-finals this evening!” Tweeted former Deeside athlete Smith, who suffered disappointment in his semi-final after finishing fifth.

“Left it all on the track last night,” tweeted Smith. “Time to rest and recover and come back for the relay tomorrow night.”

And there was more frustration for Smith, who was advised not to run in the 4x400m relay on medical advice, Great Britain finishing fifth.

Smith wrote: “Gutted not to be able to run this evening. Under the guidance of the doc the decision was made that I was medically unable to compete tonight.”

Having had time to reflect on the Championships, Smith later added: "Not exactly how I wanted the European Championships to play out. But looking at how far I’ve come Indoor, is a huge positive. Finishing the weekend 10th in Europe is a big step forward.

"Now time to rest, recover and prepare for a big outdoor season!"