Brilliant Barr makes history in Rio

Brilliant Barr makes history in Rio

Thomas Barr (Ferrybank) became the first Irish athlete since Bob Tisdall in 1932 to make an Olympic sprint final after a breathtaking performance to win his 400m Hurdles semi-final in a new national record of 48.39 seconds.

“I’m shaking like a leaf. I’m delighted,” said an ecstatic Barr afterwards. “I went in really relaxed and I was able to track Karsten Warholm (Norway) on my outside. I know I’ve a really good finish. I’m not being cocky. I was smiling coming over that last hurdle.”

The Ferrybank star was in fourth place coming into the home straight but produced a sizzling finish to win his semi and go into the final as the third fastest qualifier.

“Anything is possible now,” he said. “I want to thank my coach Haley Harrison and Emma Gallivan (Athletics Ireland physio) for all the physio. I’ll rest up now and get ready for the final.”

The men’s 400m hurdles final takes place on Thursday (August 18) at 4pm Irish time – making it a midday start in Rio. Barr has been drawn in lane 4 for the final.