Nick Griggs (3000m) and Nicola Tuthill (Hammer Throw) have secured progression to their respective World Athletics U20 Championships finals thanks to superb performances on day 3 of the championships in Colombia today (Aug 3rd).
Double European U20 gold medallist Nick Griggs (Mid Ulster AC) secured his place in 3000m final with a superbly judged run to finish 4th in his heat, securing one of the automatic qualifying places.
It was a tactical race from the gun but Griggs showed experience beyond his years to sit back from the leading pace setters and comfortably claimed one of the 6 automatic qualifying places on offer in a time of 8:08.35 Q.
There was a brave run for Callum Morgan (Candour Track Club) in a blisteringly fast second heat of the 3,000m. Unfortunately, it was not enough to progress on this occasion, but he comes away with valuable experience at a global championship. He finished in 14th in a time of 8:36.23.
Nicola Tuthill (Bandon AC) was the sole Irish thrower in action at these championships, and she was at her brilliant best from the outset in group B of the hammer throw qualification round, posting a 61.87m PB to advance to Friday's medal decider.
The performance was made all the more impressive in that Tuthill had only returned from a broken and dislocated elbow in March, followed by months of one armed throws. The new 61.87m personal best strengthen her place in third on the Irish all time list.
Both Griggs (11.04pm) and Tuthill (9.11pm) will return for their finals on Friday evening (Aug 5th).
Day 3 of these these championships is not over yet for the Irish, with all eyes now turning to Lucy May Sleeman’s semi-final in the 100m at 10.21pm. The first 2 will automatically qualify for the 100m final, with another 2 fastest non-automatic qualifiers also making it to the final.
Day 3 latest results: HERE
Team Ireland Timetable (Irish Time):
Day 3: 3rd August
- 10.21pm Lucy May Sleeman Women’s 100m Semi Final 3
Day 4: 4th August
- 3:05pm Lucy McGlynn Women’s 100mH (Heats)
- 5:50pm Lucy May Sleeman Women’s 100m (Heats)
Day 5: 5th August
- 9.11pm Nicola Tuthill Women’s Hammer Final
- 11.04pm Nick Griggs Men’s 3,000m Final