Thomas Barr has finished fourth in the men’s 400m hurdles final at the Olympic Games in Rio, smashing the Irish record in the process, writes Will Downing in Rio.
Barr clocked 47.97 seconds, with Kerron Clement of the USA winning in 47.73, followed by Boniface Tumuti of Kenya second in 47.78, and Turkey’s Yasmani Copello third in 47.92, edging Barr out by five-hundredths of a second.
.@TomBarr247 could not have done any more. 47.97 a fantastic NR past Tuesday's 48.39. #Rio2016 #IRL pic.twitter.com/sDW9YHnJtk
— Will Downing (@WillDowningComm) August 18, 2016
The Waterford hurdler was the first sprint finalist for Ireland at an Olympic Games since 1932.
Barr had been a surprise finalist in the race, after coming into peak condition at just the right time. The 24-year-old was beset by injuries in the month leading up to the Games.
Crowds had gathered all around Ireland, but particularly in his native Waterford, to cheer Barr on.
6 mins to go!!! pic.twitter.com/QDqfGjDwWD
— Damien Tiernan (@damienrte) August 18, 2016
And in Rio, follow Olympian Gary O’Donovan led a sizeable Irish contingent in support of the runner.
Great job @gary_o_donovan making sure the flags are sorted in the Athletics Stadium. #TeamIreland pic.twitter.com/8mj0qdtud1
— Team Ireland (@olympiccouncil) August 18, 2016
More to follow.
