Barr Flies In The Home Straight To Qualify

Thomas Barr delivered a blistering final 100 metres to finish third in his heat of the 400m Hurdles in 49.20 seconds and qualify automatically for tomorrow's semi-final.

Barr (Ferrybank) was effectively running blind on the outside in lane 9 and came through well to finish third behind Turkey's Yasmani Copello who won in a new national record of 48.89 seconds.

"It was tough to gauge," said Barr on running in the outside lane. "I was running my own race out there, hopefully I might be in an inside lane tomorrow. In lane nine I had no idea where anyone was except for the Turkish guy (Copello). I had to do so much work down the home straight but I'm glad I had that kick. There were parts of that race I wasn't happy about and I know my coach (Hayley Harrison) will have noticed. I'm glad I have something to work on for tomorrow I'm happy, this is my first world championships and I've made it to the semi-final.

"I felt good, my body felt good, not too tired, a lot better now than I was two or three weeks ago. Technically it was not ideal. I was really excited yesterday. All week I've been itching to go. I've been so excited to get going and show what I had. I didn't do it today, hopefully I can do it tomorrow.

"I was nervous getting into the blocks. I think it'll take low-48 to make the final, definitely, considering what was run today. I'm going to have to run a pb to make this final. I think I do have it in me. I'm going to have to run the race of my life and if it all comes together I could be in the final."

Unfortunately he has been drawn in lane 9 for the first semi-final but it's still well within his compass to deliver.