OLATUNDE BOWS OUT AS A SUPER SUNDAY BECKONS FOR TEAM IRELAND

Israel Olatunde (UCD AC) signed off his European Athletics Indoor Championships at the semi-final stage this afternoon, clocking 6.69 for 7th place in the 60m which was not enough to see him progress to this evening’s final.

The 20-year-old faced a stiff task to qualify from lane 8 in a stacked race which was won by Italy’s Samuele Ceccarelli in a blistering 6.47.

Speaking after the race Olatunde said: “You can’t make excuses. You just go out and race and try to give your best performance so I’m proud of myself. I’m still young and I’ll take plenty of learnings from these championships. I’m proud to represent Ireland and of all the support I get at home so I don’t get too high during the highs, or too low during the lows”.

The UCD sprint star has enjoyed a record-breaking indoor season and will now turn attentions to his 100m outdoor season with both the European U23 Championships and World Championships on the horizon.

Full result HERE

Sunday March 5th

Sunday’s morning session will see the Sarah Lavin return to the starting blocks for the semi-final of the women’s 60m hurdles. Lavin has been rewarded with a favourable lane 5 draw following her impressive 8.03 time in today’s heats.

Lavin will go in pursuit of yet another major final appearance at 8.03am, knowing the first 4 athletes are guaranteed a place in the afternoon’s final (5.55pm Irish time).

The Irish 4x400m relay team will take their place in the medal decider during the afternoon session tomorrow (4.25pm). The team, which will be announced tomorrow, can call upon Sharlene Mawdsley, Sophie Becker, and Cliodhna Manning who have all tasted track action already this week. Niamh Murray, Miriam Daly, and Phil Healy will will offer fresh legs if selected in what is sure to be a hugely competitive relay final with both Poland and the Netherlands boasting strong teams.

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 earlier today and will hope tomorrow’s race is run at a pace which will allow him to utilise his now customary final 100m kick.

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

More Information:

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