The IAAF World U20 Championships are well underway in Tampere. Irish Athletics has shown it’s quality over several events. With a lifetime best for Jo Keane in the 800m and a season's best for Ciara Neville in the 100m, there has been plenty of fantastic performances from Team Ireland. Sommer Lecky joined Gina Akpe-Moses in qualifying for a World final, before the 4x100m relay team stormed to victory to reach the final themselves.
100m Event
Gina Akpe-Moses became the first Irish athlete to compete in a 100m final at the World's since 2000. Qualifying in the semi-finals with the fastest losing time of 11.51, Gina made history. There could have been two Irish representatives but unfortunately Ciara Neville narrowly missed out on qualification finishing 5th in her heat with a time of 11.70.
Up against some of the fastest women on the planet, Gina was unable to repeat her performance in the semi's and crossed the line in 8th place with a time of 11.64. There was a surprise winner, as 16-year old Brianna Williams of Jamaica took home gold in 11.16.
World junior 100m finalist, came 8th overall. Not what I wanted but I can only come back stronger. I thank God letting it all happen and also all the support from my team. Big big things coming from me. It’s only just the beginning @irishathletics @UnderArmourUK @ANDYgPAUL pic.twitter.com/xeyU8wFQfT
— Gina Moses (@GinaAkpeMoses) July 12, 2018
4x100m Relay Event
After huge anticipation and hype, the Irish 4x100m relay team stormed to victory in their heat to book their place in the final at 2.04pm on Saturday 14 July. The team comprising of Molly Scott, Gina Akpe-Moses, Rhasidat Adeleke and Patience Jumbo Gula dominated the field running home in 44.27. Qualifying with the second fastest time overall, there is a real chance of a medal for the Irish team.
Brilliant run in the 4x100 relay. 44.27 for @RunMollyRun13, @GinaAkpeMoses, @RhasidatAdeleke Adeleke and @Patience_Jumbo. Straight to the final #HerSport #HerAthletics #IAAFworlds @irishathletics pic.twitter.com/atPPZTSKuN
— Her Sport (@HerSportDotIE) July 13, 2018
High Jump Event
Sommer Lecky became the second of the Irish athletes to reach a World final. Lecky successfully cleared the bar in all her six attempts of 1.70m, 1.74m, 1.77m, 1.80m, 1.82m and 1.84m. The 17-year old will compete in the final of the high-jump on Sunday 15th July from 11.30am. The Finn Valley AC star, who won the Belfast International 2018 Meet will be aiming for a podium finish. Her current PB is 1.84m.
Founded in 1971, sporting history was made today for the famous @finnvalleyac when Sommer Lecky became the 1st athlete from the club to qualify for a world final. A huge achievement for a small area who have provided so much value to @irishathletics over the years... pic.twitter.com/tP4LSSZbWn
— Pierce O'Callaghan (@Pierceathletics) July 13, 2018
100m Hurdles Event
In the early hours of Friday morning, Molly Scott automatically booked her place in the semi-finals of the 100m hurdles. Competing in the first heat of the day, Molly ran 13.95 to finish third in her heat. With a PB of 13.72 this season, Molly will be looking to better this in the semi-final. Molly will be racing tomorrow, Saturday 14th July, at 2.03pm.
World semi-final awaits!
@RunMollyRun13 is through her 100m hurdles heat with a big Q at the World U20 Championships after clocking 13.95 to finish third. pic.twitter.com/bxQoGz64TT— Athletics Ireland (@irishathletics) July 13, 2018
200m Event
Ciara Neville ran 24.01 to automatically qualify through to the semi-finals of the 200m. In the humid conditions and a day after her 100m semi-final, Ciara will be happy with her performance. On to the semi and Ciara finished 8th in her heat running 24.68.
Timetable (Irish Time):
- 4x100m Final: Saturday 14th July 2.04pm
- 100mh Semi-Final: Saturday 14th July 11.55am
- 100mh Final: Sunday 15th July 11.35am
- 10km Walk: Saturday 14th July 7.35am
- High Jump Final: Sunday 15th July 11.30am
Catch all the action on the IAAF Athletics YouTube page:
Ciara Mageean wins 1500m
Ciara Mageean is back in form and winning ways as she ran her third fastest ever 1500m in Barcelona on Wednesday. The Olympian edged out Portugal’s Marth Pen Freitas to take home first place and run the 8th fastest European time this season in 4:04.13.
Ciara will be at the Morton Games on the 19th July competing against the likes of Siofra Buttner and Claire Mooney in the 800m.
