SARAH LAVIN QUALIFIES FOR EUROPEAN 60M HURDLES FINAL

Sarah Lavin (Emerald AC) has secured her place in this evening’s 60m hurdles final at the European Athletics Indoor Championships in Istanbul with a brilliant 3rd place finish in 7.99 to claim one of the automatic qualifying spots for the medal decider.

Racing from lane 5, Lavin broke from the blocks well, but it was her powerful finish which saw the Limerick athlete stay on strongly to ensure she will take her place in yet another major championships final.

Today’s performance continues a remarkably consistent run of international championship performances over the last 12 months for the Irish national champion.

Lavin finished 7th at the World Indoors last year, setting a personal best on her way to the 60m hurdles final in her first appearance at a World Indoor Championships.

The World indoor finalist would then follow up later in the year with a 5th place finish at the European outdoor championships, again setting a personal best on her journey to the 100m hurdles final.

Lavin will return for today’s medal decider at 5.55pm Irish time.

Full semi-final result HERE

Sunday March 5th Afternoon Session

The Irish 4x400m relay team of Sophie Becker, Sharlene Mawdsley, Cliodhna Manning, and Phil Healy (in order) will take their place in the final of the women’s 4x400m relay at 4.25pm this afternoon.

Strong looking teams from both Poland and the Netherlands will make the battle for track position ultra-competitive. A good break however could see Ireland very much in medal contention in an open race away from the two leading favourites.

All eyes will then turn to Darragh McElhinney as he bids to go toe-to-toe with Europe’s elite in the 3,000m final (5.00pm). McElhinney raced with plenty in reserve in yesterday’s first round and will hope today’s race is run at a pace which will allow him to utilise his now customary final 100m kick.

Sarah Lavin will sign off these championships for team Ireland in the final of the 60m hurdles at 5.55pm.

Irish Athlete Schedule: Sunday March 5th (times listed in Irish time):

*Reserves Miriam Daly (Carrick- on-Suir AC) & Niamh Murray (Bray Runners AC)

More Information:

• Where to watch: HERE
• Entries, schedule & results: HERE
• Irish All Time Lists: HERE