Below is the list of tables from the database along with their columns and datatype. Need to generate an accurate SQL query for the question.
Only use the columns present in the respective table. Only use the columns which are required to generate the SQL query. Only use table joins if required and not otherwise.

### Tables ###
TABLE: CREATE TABLE table_name_48 ( position VARCHAR, year VARCHAR, competition VARCHAR )

### Question ###
In which position did Ilju t enko finish in the European Championships held prior to 2008?

### Accurate SQL ###

SELECT position FROM table_name_48 WHERE year < 2008 AND competition = "european championships"