MARK ENGLISH HAS narrowly missed out on a place in the 800m final at the World Athletics Championships in Oregon after finishing fifth in his semi-final in Oregon overnight.
The Donegal native clocked a time of 1:45.78, and was just edged out of a spot in the final by 0.20 after staying with the pack until a change of pace in the final 100 metres. English previously set a season’s best time of 1:44.76 in his heat, which was just five hundredths of a second away from his National 800m Record.
Louise Shanahan also missed out on qualification after she came fifth in her 800m heat. The National Record holder crossed the line in 2:01.71, just missing out on a place in the semi-finals by 0.12.
Shanahan held a strong position within the leading group throughout the heat and was unfortunate not to progress. Her focus will now turn to preparations for the European Championships next month in Munich.
Irish in action – World Athletics Championships, Day 8
- 1.40am: Women 4x100m Heats