Below is an context that describes a sql query, paired with an question that provides further information. Write an answer that appropriately completes the request.  # noqa: E501
### Context:
CREATE TABLE table_name_48 (position VARCHAR, year VARCHAR, competition VARCHAR)
### Question:
In which position did Iljuštšenko finish in the European Championships held prior to 2008?
### Answer:
SELECT position FROM table_name_48 WHERE year < 2008 AND competition = "european championships"