Mageean’s Olympic dream comes to an end
Ciara Mageean’s (UCD) brave bid to become Ireland’s first female Olympic 1500m semi-finalist ended with an 11th place finish in the first semi-final in 4:08.07.
“I’m very disappointed,” said Mageean afterwards in a race won by one of the medal-favourites Faith Kipyegon in 4:03.95. The first five in each semi-final and the two next fastest non-automatic qualifiers advanced to the final.
“My preparation went really well and I’m upset I couldn’t deliver an Irish 1500m finalist. I got up in the qualifying positions and I was there with 200m to go but I just didn’t have the finish.
“I promise I’ll be back fitter, stonger and faster next year. These girls have three or four years of excellent running behind them. I’m disappointed but I will be back.”
It has been an excellent season for the Down woman who won European bronze in Amsterdam in July and has a platform to build on into next season.