Reid’s dream debut to make European final
Leon Reid (Menapians) made a dream debut in the green singlet finishing second in his 200m semi-final in 20.38 to make the final at the European Athletics Championships in Berlin (August 8th).
Reid was running from lane 3 and ran his customary strong finishing straight and looks to have plenty in store for tomorrow’s final where he will run in lane 8.
“It’s a dream come true to finally run for Ireland and make the final,” said Reid happily afterwards. “It’s a super suit,” he commented on wearing the green singlet. His time of 20.38 now puts him second on the Irish all-time list.
An Irish male sprinter has never won a medal at a European championship since its inauguration in 1934 in Turin. Tomorrow there will be two opportunities for Reid in the 200m and Thomas Barr (Ferrybank) in the 400m hurdles to rectify that.
Emma Mitchell (Queens) ran in a gruelling women’s 10,000m final where she finished 17th in 34:08.61. “I gave it everything I had but there was nothing there. It was really hot but it was the same for everyone,” said Mitchell afterwards.
Other Irish athletes in action tomorrow (August 9th) are Mark English (UCD) and Zak Curran (DSD) in the heats of the men’s 800m.
Thursday Irish action
Mark English (UCD) 800m heats 10:30am Irish time
Zak Curran (DSD) 800m heats 10:30am Irish time
Thomas Barr (Ferrybank) 400m hurdles final 19:15 Irish time
Leon Reid (Menapians) 200m final 20:05 Irish time
