A stunning Thomas Barr run saw him secure a bronze medal in the final of the 400m hurdles final at the European Championships in Berlin.
It was a terrific performance from lane 8 which saw him home in 48.31, his best time of the summer.
And it’s BRONZE!!!!!
— Athletics Ireland (@irishathletics) August 9, 2018
The world champion is now the European champion!
Karsten Warholm wins the 400m hurdles title but he was pushed all the way by reigning champion Yasmani Copello.
🇳🇴 Warholm 47.64
🇹🇷 Copello 47.81
🇮🇪 Barr 48.31#EC2018 pic.twitter.com/2J1P0ccu3p— European Athletics (@EuroAthletics) August 9, 2018
It’s a bit wild trackside and an embrace from coach Hayley Harrison for @TomBarr247 pic.twitter.com/KlR4RBhIuY
— Athletics Ireland (@irishathletics) August 9, 2018
"Earlier in the day I felt nervous but as time went on I felt more relaxed" - @TomBarr247 reflects on becoming the first Irishman in the 84-year history of the European Athletics Championships to win a medal in a sprint event #rtesport pic.twitter.com/zgaq3BLpmb
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) August 9, 2018
In an interview with Balls.ie earlier this month, Barr explicitly stated it a podium finish was his goal: "I want to be challenging for a medal. I've been promising it long enough." He is now the first Irish male sprinter to medal at the outdoor European Championships.
Speaking on RTE Sport, Sonia O'Sullivan hailed his run as 'absolutely fantastic.'
Barr started brightly but had a poor hurdle jump midway through. However, as Karsten Warholm loomed Barr rallied to finish in third. At 26, the UL man is now in his prime and has now tasted a podium finish.
