Race walker Jackson is first ever Brit to reach podium

JO Jackson has made history by becoming the first Brit in history to win a medal at an IAAF Race Walking Challenge, scooping bronze in Sesto San Giovanni, Italy on Saturday.

SEASON'S BEST: Jo Jackson sets her fastest time of the year in Italy and becomes the first Brit in history to reach the IAAF Race Walking Challenge podium (Getty Images)

The 25-year-old clocked a season's best of 1.32.03 hours in the 20km race behind Portugal's Vera Santos and Germany's Melanie Seeger, who took gold and silver respectively.

Jackson passed the halfway mark in 45.42 minutes and despite picking up her second disqualification card at the seven kilometer stage, which meant she had to hold back for the rest of the race, she still become the first ever Brit to reach the podium.

She said: "This is a major breakthrough for me to make the podium in an IAAF Challenge event.

"I'm disappointed with the time as I had to hold back after receiving my second red card at seven kilometres, I know there is a lot more in the tank."

Jackson will now turn her attentions to competing for Great Britain in the IAAF World Race Walking Cup in Mexico in later this month.