Ellis McHugh (Ferrybank AC), Ethan Dewhirst (Tír Chonaill AC) and Des O’Neill (Raheny Shamrock AC) have all advanced to the semi-finals of the 400m hurdles following strong performances on day two of the World Athletics U20 Championships in Eugene, Oregon.
McHugh was first of the Irish athletes in action at Hayward Field, producing an excellent start in the women’s 400m hurdles.
She remained in contention for one of the four automatic qualifying positions before a slight stumble at the final hurdle. McHugh recovered well to cross the line fifth in 59.04 seconds.
Although she finished just outside the automatic places, the performance was fast enough to secure one of the three non-automatic qualifying spots and a place in the semi-finals.
There was further Irish success in the men’s 400m hurdles as Dewhirst delivered a smooth performance. He ran strongly throughout and crossed the line second in 50.73 seconds, comfortably securing automatic qualification for the next round.
O’Neill then completed a perfect session for the Irish hurdlers. He equalled his personal best of 51.45 seconds to finish third and claim the final automatic qualifying position. O’Neill edged Colombia’s Juan David Arboleda, who was credited with the same time, by just two thousandths of a second.
Dewhirst and O’Neill will join McHugh in returning to the track for the semi-finals on day four of the championships.
Attention now turns to the women’s 1500m heats in the evening session, with Gemma Galvin (Ennis Track AC) set to begin her World U20 Championships campaign.
Team Ireland Results Summary
Day Two – Thursday August 6th
Ellis McHugh – Women’s 400m Hurdles – Round One – 59.04 q (5th, advanced to semi-finals)
Ethan Dewhirst – Men’s 400m Hurdles – Round One – 50.73 Q (2nd, advanced to semi-finals)
Des O’Neill – Men’s 400m Hurdles – Round One – 51.45 =PB Q (3rd, advanced to semi-finals)
Team Ireland Schedule: Irish Time
Local Oregon time in brackets
Day Two – Evening Session – Thursday August 6th
Gemma Galvin – Women’s 1500m – Round One – 03:03 (19:03)
WHERE TO WATCH
The World Athletics U20 Championships will be available to watch on the Eurovision Sport website HERE and app. An account which you can register for free for is required.
