ATHLETICS European Youth Olympic Festival

Christine McMahon of Ballymena & Antrim Athletic Club produced a sensational run to deliver the 400 meters hurdles silver medal at the European Youth Olympic Festival in Tampere, Finland.

McMahon, who is coached by former Irish Olympian, Maeve Kyle, improved on her personal best time of 59.78 set yesterday, as she took the silver medal in 59.55 seconds, another Irish Youths’ record. The talented hurdler was well clear of third placed Bianca Baak of Netherlands in 1.00.31. Russia’s Vera Rudakova took the title in 58.01.

Lorcan O’Cathain finished third in his 200m semi-final in a personal best of 22.07 to qualify for the final. The 4×100m relay team of Christine McMahon, Joanna Mills, Caoimhe King and Joan Healy qualified for the final in 46.36, the second fastest team behind Switzerland.

“This was a brilliant performance by a hugely talented athlete” Irish Track & Field Team Manager, John McGrath said. “I must say that this team has been the most positive group of young people that I have every worked with.”

It has been a great week so far for the Irish track athletes at the EYOF’s with Ciara Mageean from Portaferry winning gold in 1500m and Waterford’s Shane Quinn taking silver over 3,000m.

For Further Information: www athleticsireland.ie