World U20s Day 2 Recap: Irish Contingent Sees Both Progress and Setbacks

Day 2 of the World U20 Athletics Championships in Lima saw a day of mixed fortunes for the Irish contingent, with athletes advancing from their heats on the track, while others unfortunately missed out. 

The first Irish athlete in action on the was David Davitt in the 400m Hurdles. Despite a solid performance, the Clonliffe Harriers AC athlete's 4th place finish was not enough to secure qualification for the semi finals. 

Fintan Dewhirst of Tír Chonaill AC lined up in lane 7 for the following heat. His strong finish in the closing stages secured him 2nd place and an automatic spot in the semi-finals of the 400m hurdles, scheduled for Friday night. 

Athenry AC's Seán Doggett was next up on the track competing in the 400m. Doggett came to prominence back in June as the youngest ever athlete to don the Irish bib at senior level when he took to the track in Rome as part of the men's 4x400m relay team at the Euros. He delivered a strong performance, finishing just ahead of Germany’s Max Husemann to secure 2nd place and automatic qualification for the evening’s semi-final.

Unfortunately, it was not to be for the Galway man in the semi-final. Competing in his third race in two days, he finished at the back of the field and did not advance to the final.

Lughaidh Mallon was next in action in the first heat of the 1500m, however he missed out on the top 5 finish needed to advance, but no doubt gaining valuable international experience. 

The final Irish athlete in action was Dundrum South Dublin's Elizabeth Ndudi, competing in the long jump final. Although she improved on her distance from the previous day's qualifying round, her best jump of 6.18m placed her in the middle of the pack, leaving her out of contention for a podium finish.

Day 2 Results

David Davitt - Men's 400m Hurdles - Heat 3 - 52.51 - 4th 

Fintan Dewhirst - Men's 400m Hurdles - Heat 4 - 52.39 - 2nd Q

Sean Doggett - Men's 400m - Heat 1 - 47.31 - 2nd Q

Lughaidh Mallon - Men's 1500m - Heat 1 - 3:48.69 - 9th 

Sean Doggett - Men's 400m - Semi Final 2 - 50.33 - 7th 

Elizabeth Ndudi - Women's Long Jump - Final - 6.18m - 6th