Sarah Healy produced a solid perfornance on Day 2 of the European Athletics Championships, coming agonisingly close to a medal in the women’s 5,000m final to lead another strong showing for the Irish squad.
On a packed day of track action that also saw Bori Akinola ignite Ireland's sprint campaign alongside semi-final appearances from Israel Olatunde and Jack Raftery.
Healy Inches From Podium in 5,000m Thriller
Sarah Healy came the closest to the medal of the Irish team so far, claiming a fantastic 4th-place finish in the women's 5,000m final.
Clocking 15:40.95, Healy edged out Great Britain’s Hannah Nuttall to secure 4th in Europe. The result is all the more impressive given Healy has contested the distance just once over the past six seasons, confirming her versatile range on the continental stage.
Sprint Action: Akinola, Olatunde & Raftery
Bori Akinola got Ireland's Day 2 off to a flying start in the men's 100m heats, winning Heat 2 in a sharp 10.39s to progress directly to the semi-finals. Returning in the evening session, Akinola stopped the clock at 10.38s to take 4th place in semi-final one, narrowly missing out on a spot in the final.
National record holder Israel Olatunde, who received a bye straight into the semi-final stage, exited the competition after taking 7th in semi-final four with a time of 10.49s.
In the men's 400m, Donore Harriers athlete Jack Raftery saw his individual campaign come to an end in the semi-finals. Having qualified impressively from his heat on Day 1, Raftery clocked 45.81s to finish 7th in a fast-paced semi-final.
Irish Athlete Results - European Athletics Championships Day 2 - Morning Session
Mark English - Men's 100m - Round 1 - Heat 2 - 1st - 10.39 - Qualified
Irish Athlete Results - European Athletics Championships Day 2 - Evening Session
Sarah Healy - Women's 5000m - Final - 4th - 15:40.95
Bori Akinola - Men's 100m - Semi-Final 1 - 4th - 10.38 - Did not advance
Israel Olatunde - Men's 100m - Semi-Final 4 - 7th - 10.40 - Did not advance
Jack Raftery - Men's 400m - Semi Final 2 - 7th - 45.81 - Did not advance
