Day 4 of the World Athletics U20 Championships saw six Irish athletes in action today in Lima, competing in the 4x400m relay and the 400m semi-finals.
First up was the 4x400m relay, featuring Conor Kelly, Adam Courtney, Seán Doggett, and Stephen Mannion in the second heat. The Irish team got off to a strong start, with Kelly and Courtney keeping them in contention at the halfway mark before Doggett took the baton. Running his fourth race since Tuesday, Doggett delivered an impressive split of 47.07, handing over smoothly to Mannion, who ran an excellent 46.57. Their combined effort secured a hard-fought third place, just behind South Africa's Udeme Okon and the USA's Alex Rhoades. This superb performance set a new U20 national record of 3:08.94.
After an anxious wait for the third heat to conclude, it was confirmed that the team had secured a spot in the final tomorrow night (or very early Sunday) at 12:45 am Irish time, securing their place as the fastest non-automatic qualifier.
Later in the evening, Fintan Dewhirst and David Davitt lined up for the 400m Hurdles semi-finals. David was a late addition to the roster following a withdrawal. Both athletes gave it their all, leaving everything on the track. Unfortunately, it wasn’t meant to be, as Fintan and David finished 5th and 6th, respectively, bringing their campaigns to an end.
Day 4 Results:
4x400m Relay– 3rd – 3:08.94 (U20 NR)
Splits
- Conor Kelly – 47.10
- Adam Courtney – 48.20
- Seán Doggett – 47.07
- Stephen Mannion – 46.57
Fintan Dewhirst– 400m Hurdles – Semi-Final 2 – 51.65
David Davitt – 400m Hurdles – Semi-Final 2 – 51.93