Barr just misses out on world final
Thomas Barr (Ferrybank) narrowly missed out on a place in the men’s 400m hurdles final at the IAAF World Athletics Championships in Doha this evening (September 28).
Barr finished fourth in the third semi-final in a season’s best of 49.02 but unfortunately it wasn’t enough to make the final on Monday evening.
The Waterford star finished 10th overall in what was his third successive world semi-final. “I’m disappointed,” said Barr afterwards who left nothing to chance with an aggressive first 250m.
Two of the world’s best hurdlers of all-time, Rai Benjamin (USA) and Abderrahman Samba (Qatar), were on his inside and they came first and second respectively in 48.52 and 48.72.
“I'm happy to say I gave it my best," concluded the Ferrybank athlete.
There was no joy earlier in the session for Mark English (UCD) as he bowed out in 7th in his 800m heat in 1:47.25. English tried to guarantee a place in the semi-finals by running a fast time but it didn’t work out on this occasion.
"I just decided to front run it and not leave it up to hope. It just didn't work out obviously," said the three-time European medallist.
Brendan Boyce (Finn Valley) competes in the men’s 50km race walk later this evening.
Athlete interviews are on social media
Results
IAAF World Athletics Championships, Doha
Men
800m heat 4
7. Mark English (UCD) 1:47.25
400m hurdles semi-final 3
4. Thomas Barr (Ferrybank) 49.02