THOMAS BARR has become the first Irishman in 84 years to qualify for the prestigious 400metre hurdle final at the Olympic Games.
Positioned fourth approaching the final stretch, Barr produced an amazing burst of peace to steam towards the finish line in first place.
His time of 48.39 seconds broke his own Irish national record and puts the 2015 Irish Athlete of the Year into Thursday’s final.
Although known to be full of potential, 24-year-old Barr’s achievement is all the more spectacular given the continuous injury problems the Waterford native has endured in the build-up to the Games.
However, he's rediscovered his form at just the right time and will go into the last round with genuine hope of a medal.
Watch Thomas Barr’s blistering semi-final win below
Big Congratulations to @TomBarr247 for his performance in the 400m Semi Final. #TeamIreland #Rio2016 #hurdles pic.twitter.com/b32thC7K0Z
— NationalSportsCampus (@NatSportsCampus) August 17, 2016
