One of Ireland's major medal hopes continued her journey in this year's World Athletics Championships this afternoon, with Ciara Mageean securing her place in the 1500M final after an excellent run in Budapest.
The Down woman crossed the line in third place in her semi-final, recording a time of 4:02.70 to ensure she would be in the field for Tuesday's medal race.
Mageean entered this year's championships as one of Ireland's biggest medal hopes, having been in sensational form over the last 18 months or so. She is certainly at her peak at the moment, giving her every hope that she can be in amongst the top three come the decisive race.
Ciara Mageean gives brilliant interview after reaching 1500M final
Ciara Mageean was in fine form after the semi-final, giving a brilliant interview to Virgin Media. She would admit that the physicality of the race was something she enjoyed due to her sporting background as a youngster.
"I just love racing! I grew up playing camogie so I'm used to a bit of argy-bargy!"
@ciaramageean in great form with @WillDalton01 after booking her place in the Women's 1500M Final at the World Athletics Championships.#TeamIreland | #WorldAthleticsChamps | @irishathletics pic.twitter.com/sBoWcnDfaT— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) August 20, 2023
I'm delighted with that. I came here to do a job and that was get to be in that final. Now I'm there, just need to get back home and recover and get ready for Tuesday...
To be honest, I was more scrappy in the first round so I found that one quite nice. Look, I just love racing.
I grew up playing camogie, so I'm used to a little bit of argy bargy out there...
Faith [Kipyegon] is in a class of her own and I'm under no illusion that she has probably secured that gold. Many might think that's a little defeatist, but we have to tip the hat to the greatest of all-time.
To be up there in medal contention you have to be running what my PB is of 3:56. I ran a 3:58 this season, a split of a mile, so I know I can go much faster.
I'm looking forward to going out there and showing what I'm made of...
I didn't hit the turbo yet there, so watch our for Tuesday.
Top class.
Ciara Mageean will take part in the 1500M final on Tuesday evening, which will take place at 8:30pm Irish time.
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