Gillick through to 400 metre final

David Gillick qualified for the final of the 400metres in the World Athletics Championships in Berlin this afternoon after finishing fourth in his semi-final.

Only the first two finishers from the three heats secured automatic progress, but Gillick's time of 44.88 seconds means he was one of two 'fastest losers'.

Gillick’s time was just over a tenth of a second off his personal best and Irish record.

'I'm over the moon,' Gillick said. 'I don't care what's going to happen now. I've run the legs off myself and run under 45 seconds three times now this year.

'I'm in the top eight in the world and I'm going to go out and enjoy myself.'

Speaking about the race, he added: 'I got out fast and coming down the home straight we were all together and I panicked a bit and tightened up.

'I initially thought my time was 44.9 something, it was only when I was interviewed and he said 44.88 I thought it might be enough.'

Jeremy Wariner won the heat in a time of 44.69 secs. Le Shawn Merritt was the fastest off all the athletes, winning his semi in 44.37 secs.

The final will take place on Friday night.