Jameson builds for the future with another fine run

Heather Jameson bowed out of the T37 100m but gave another very creditable performance when finishing sixth in her IPC World Athletics Championships semi-final at the Stadium of Parilly in Lyon.

Having set a season's best in the 200m on Sunday, Jameson ran 15.26 in the shorter event, a time that was just two hundredths of a second outside her top effort for the current campaign.

The extremely competitive semi-final was won by home favourite, Mandy Francoise-Elie. The Paralympic champion set a new championship record of 13.70, which was also just two hundredths of a second outside the world record the French star set last month.

Jameson, who is continuing to build vital championship experience after participating in London as a 15-year-old 12 months ago, will compete in her best event the Long Jump on Friday.

The young Dubliner enjoyed competing in such exalted company today and with time on her side, will continue to strive to reach that standard.

"It was a great experience being sandwiched between the World Champion and the Paralympic Champion. Most of the girls are at least six years older than me and I'm looking forward to developing my talents and challenging them in the coming years."

James Nolan, the Head of Irish Paralympic Athletics, was happy that Jameson had accomplished what she had set out to do.

"Heather was in serious company in her 100m semi-final. She knew the chances of progressing were minimal. Her task was to break down her race into phases, focusing on the process. Heather achieved this and at only 16 has a bright sprinting future ahead of her. She is really looking forward to her main event, the Long Jump, later in the week."

Tomorrow will be a busier day of action with T13 200m champion, Jason Smyth getting his bid to repeat his London double-heroics under way in the 100m semi-final. Michael McKillop will be attempting to do likewise, with the T37 800m kingpin the one to beat in the 1500m final. Catherine O'Neill also competes in her second event, following her fifth in the F51 Discus on Sunday with the Club final.

Day 5 (July 24) schedule for Irish athletes (Irish time):
12:02 JASON SMYTH (T13 100m Semi-Final)
14:30 CATHERINE O'NEILL (F51 Club Final)
16:31 MICHAEL MCKILLOP (T37 1500m Final)