David Gillick (Dundrum South Dublin AC) showed his class this evening as he cruised into the final of the men’s 400m at the European Athletics Championships in Barcelona. Gillick won his heat with a usual strong finish in a season best time of 44.79, coming in ahead of Michael Bingham of Great Britain. Gillick showed some excellent early speed after a good start but Bingham pushed him all the way and took the lead. Gillick however showed his strength on the home straight and came from behind to claim victory.
Gillick is the 2nd fastest qualifier for what should be an exciting showdown on Friday. David was happy with his race and seasons best. “I knew Bingham would come up inside me because he had me to chase and it was important that when he did so I just stayed as relaxed as possible,’
Gordan Kennedy (Tullamore Harriers AC) raced bravely finishing in eighth place in his semi-final in a time of 46.72.
Thomas Chamney (Crusaders AC) and Rory Chesser (Ennis Track Club) found the pace tough in the men’s 1500m. Chamney was in a strong position throughout the race and looked to be in contention to qualify in the closing stages but was unable to battle up the home straight to finish in ninth place in 3.43.60.
Joanne Cuddihy (Kilkenny City Harriers AC) just missed out on qualification to the 400m final by .22 to finish fourth in her heat.
Jason Smyth (City of Derry) placed a very credible fourth in the first of the men’s 100m semi-finals but unfortunately missed out on a final place. Smyth ran 10.42 to finish behind Britain’s Mark Lewis-Francis who later in the night went on to win the silver medal in the 100m final. The eventual winner of the event was Christophe Lemaitre of France.