Christine McMahon Qualifies For The 400m Hurdles Semi-Finals At The European Athletics Championships

Christine McMahon (Ballymena & Antrim AC) was the sole Irish representative on the day two morning session of the European Athletics Championships in Zurich. McMahon came into these championships with a personal best of 56.97 seconds knowing she would need to be close to that to secure qualification.

McMahon made a positive start to the race on the second time of asking after the Danish athlete Sara Peterson was disqualified. In a dramatic race McMahon stayed focused and finished third in a time of 57.16 which was just outside her personal best.

Commenting afterwards McMahon said "I'm delighted with that performance, the conditions weren't ideal; a false start in the race and the girl beside me fell into the lane. I ran just 2/10's off my personal best, I'm happy with that, solid enough and I'll focus on the semi-final. I just go back eat and rest and get my mind set for tomorrow evening."

Day two continues this evening with five Irish athletes in action in their respective semi-finals; Thomas Barr (Ferrybank AC)- 400m Hurdles, Amy Foster (City of Lisburn AC) - 100m, Richard Morrissey (Crusaders AC) and Brian Gregan (Clonliffe Harriers AC) - 400m and Mark English (UCD AC) - 800m.