Thomas Barr is into the semi-finals of the men's 400m hurdles after a composed performance in his Olympic heat today.
The Waterford athlete knew a place in the top three would secure automatic qualification, and made sure of his place in the next stage by finishing second in a time of 48.93 seconds.
The result is a season's best for Barr, and just over a quarter of a second outside his Irish record, and the comfortable nature of his run suggests that national best will be within his sights in Wednesday's semi-finals.
Barr, in lane three, made a steady start before eating up the stagger on those outside immediately outside him, Jamaica's Jameel Hyde and Britain's Sebastian Rodger, on the back straight.
Entering the final 100 metres it appeared as though Barr was in a shootout for third but a strong surge saw the Irishman pull into second behind clear winner Keisuke Nozawa of Japan.
I’m delighted,” said Barr, who struggled with injury and was unable to train for much of the first half of 2016. “I didn’t know I’d have that in me.
“I didn’t know I’d have that in me,” he continued having struggled with injury for large parts of the year.
“To go sub 49 in really my first proper race of the year where I’m actually race fit and ready to go is incredible. I’m as much relieved as I am excited and delighted. I’ve gotten through that with a good time.”
He's a happy chap!! Great running by @TomBarr247 pic.twitter.com/kLhHmjpkbf
— David Gillick (@DavidGillick) August 15, 2016
