Spanish sprinter Bruno Hortelano overcome when told of gold

Fans paying attention to the European Athletic Championships in Amsterdam got to witness the magic moment silver turned to gold right in front of a Spanish sprinter's eyes.

There was a priceless moment as Wollongong-born Bruno Hortelano was being interviewed after finishing second in the 200m – setting a new Spanish record in the process – when he learned that Dutch winner Churandy Martina was to be disqualified for leaving his lane.

“Gold, how do you feel,” Hortelano is asked by a Dutch reporter.

“No, I’m second.  I have silver,” comes his reply.

Initially wary of the language barrier, the 24-year-old is informed of the disqualification and once he finally believes what he is reading sets off on the sort of run that got him there in the first place.

Hortelano will compete in both the 100 and 200m at the Olympics in Rio next month.  The Games kick off on August 5.

His time of 20.45 at the European titles would have seen him finish seventh at London 2012.  Martina was fifth in 20 seconds flat four years ago.