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Ireland's Jessie Barr competes in the 400m hurdles earlier. ©INPHO/Ian MacNicol
High hopes

Jessie Barr through to final of 400m hurdles finals in Helsinki

The Waterford hurdler was happy with the performance but her brother Thomas did not have such luck this morning.

WATERFORD ATHELTE Jessie Barr has qualified for the final of women’s 400m at the European Atheltics Championships in Helsinki today.

The Ferrybank AC star notched a personal best time of 55.93 to finish fourth in her semi final; the time was good enough to qualify her into Saturday’s final.

“I’m thrilled with that performance and delighted to be in the final,” said Barr afterwards.

“I would have like to of run quicker and get the Olympic A Standard (55.50). But there wasn’t much atmosphere in the stadium this morning so hopefully the buzz of the final will push me towards that time. I have nearly a day and half off now to get ready so the extra recovery time should really help”

Although Barr was drawn in the difficult outside lane, she made light work of it as she hurdled magnificently to a place in the final. Barr said afterwards in reference to her lane draw. “I was in lane eight at the European U23 Championships last year and because I am a taller athlete the outside lane really suits me,” she said.

Thomas Barr — Jessie’s brother – will not compete his final, also the 400m hurdles however. He finished in fifth place in his semi-final with a season’s best time of 50.22.

“I am delighted for Jessie as I know how hard she has worked this year, I would have loved to of joined Jessie in the finals, instead I will be one of her loudest supporters from the sideline,” he said afterwards.

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