The Israeli won gold in the 3,000m and bronze in the 1,500m in Dresden. He was also awarded the silver medal for his overall performance at the championships.

Ukrainian-born Bykanov, 28, had previously won gold medals at the European Championships in 2015 and 2016. He said: “I came to Germany ready emotionally and physically to win gold, not just win medals.

“I’ve now got to carry on working hard in order to reach South Korea in the best possible condition.”

Unfortunately for Bykanov, the 3,000m — his best distance — is not an Olympic event but he expects to significantly improve on his positions in the 500m, 1,000m and 1,500m in Sochi four years ago.