Bronze for Bucher in Lisbon

André Bucher's Lisbon medal was his second at a major event Keystone

Lucerne's André Bucher has won bronze in the 800 metres at the world indoor championships in Lisbon, securing Switzerland's first medal at the event in eight years.

After shaking off a disappointing performance at the Sydney Olympics, Bucher has made an incredible start to his first full indoor season. Prior to Sunday’s medal win, the 24-year-old runner had won all three of his 800-metre races this year.

Having taken an early lead in the Portuguese capital, Bucher was overtaken by indoor specialist Yuriy Borzakovskiy on the final bend. The Swiss runner then faced a strong challenge from the chasing pack, but gave way only to South Africa’s Johan Botha on the last stretch.

Bucher’s bronze will help to improve a rather unimpressive history of Swiss achievement at the world indoor championships. Sunday’s bronze leaves the country with just eight medals from the last eight tournaments.

For Bucher himself, the Lisbon medal was his second at a major event, following his silver medal success at the 1998 European Championships.

swissinfo with agencies