IRISH TRIO ALL PROGRESS AT EUROPEAN INDOOR CHAMPIONSHIPS

Ireland’s fastest man Israel Olatunde was among the trio of Irish athletes, including Darragh McElhinney (3000m) and Sarah Lavin (60m hurdles), to advance to the next rounds of their respective events on day 3 of the European Athletics Indoor Championships (March 4th).

Olatunde (UCD AC) secured one of the automatic qualification spots for this afternoon’s semi-finals of the 60m with a business-like 6.68 4th place finish in the early morning heats.

Olatunde broke the Irish indoor 60m record with a 6.57 a fortnight ago and the UCD sprint star will be expecting to build on this morning’s performance as he goes in pursuit of another European final appearance.

The 20-year-old will be back on track for the 60m semi-finals at 3.45pm this afternoon.

Darragh McElhinney (UCD AC) also did no more than was required with a composed 4th place finish in the men’s 3000m which will see him progress to Sunday afternoon’s medal decider. McElhinney raced patiently throughout, utilising his finishing kick to cross in a time of 7.51.11.

World Indoor finalist Sarah Lavin (Emerald AC) also secured her place in tomorrow’s semi-finals of the 60m hurdles with an assured 8.03 performance to continue her ultra-consistent season. Lavin had to race from lane 8 but looked very smooth in claiming second place as she bids to make another major final. Lavin will return to the blocks from 7.55am tomorrow morning.

Full results HERE

ENDS

Evening Session: Saturday March 4th (times listed in Irish time):

More Information:

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