PHIL HEALY JUST missed out on a European Indoor Championships medal, finishing fourth in her 400m final this evening and clocking a personal best of 51.94.
Ireland’s fastest woman fought right to the line and can take great pride from her performance in her first-ever major final — and her weekend’s work, in general.
The 26-year-old Cork superstar enjoyed an excellent start, running a brilliant first lap in lane four to put herself in a strong position after the break, just before the bell. Coming towards the second last bend, Healy moved out to mount a challenge for the bronze medal, but she fell just short in a star-studded field.
Netherlands ace Femke Bol — reigning world 400m hurdles champion — won it out in 50.63, a European best for the season, while Poland’s Justyna Swiety-Ersetic was second in 51.41.
Great Britain’s Jodie Williams bagged the bronze in the end, with another high-flying Dutchwoman in Lieke Klaver and Andrea Rou Milkos of Romania finishing behind Healy.
Ireland's Phil Healy finishes 4th after an impressive run in the final of the 400m as Femke Bol of Netherlands takes gold #Torun2021 @irishathletics pic.twitter.com/Xy6CHPQ001
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) March 6, 2021
“It is just short of the medals and it’s disappointing to be so close but look, it’s a European final, fourth place, a PB, I can’t ask for any more,” she told David Gillick for RTÉ.
“Coming to a final is bonus territory. This is my third run since yesterday morning. I’m buzzing, and to come away with that performance in a world-class field, I’m thrilled.
“You win some, you learn from more,” she added, noting that she hopes to go to Tokyo 2020 in two events — 200m and 400m.
'She dipped that Dutch athlete who is one of their greatest hopes. What a run in an Irish vest' - @DervalORourke hails Phil Healy after her run in the final of the 800m #Torun2021 pic.twitter.com/CbsTFeLypT
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) March 6, 2021
Healy stormed into the final with a stunning semi-final win yesterday evening, edging out the latter and putting the icing on top of a hugely successful opening day all round for The Ballineen Bullet.
The 26-year-old — coached by Wexford mastermind Shane McCormack — ran 52.00 to win her heat in style, the fastest time put down in the opening races and just 0.01 outside her then recently-set lifetime best.
The Bandon AC star then won her semi-final in a time of 52.41 — the fifth fastest of all the qualifiers for the final.
Next stop EUROPEAN FINAL!!!🥳🥳 ☘️Two wins today in the heat and semi...buzzing to come back out for the final tomorrow at 19.25 Irish time!It takes a team to get to this final! But Coach @mcwexford fully leads the way🤴🏻Thank you for all the messages and sponsors for the support pic.twitter.com/Wjxg6MwQoE
— Phil Healy (@philhealy2) March 5, 2021
“Getting into the final is bonus and as Paul Robinson said, ‘When there is no pressure on, you’re dangerous, when you have nothing to lose you’re dangerous,’” she told RTÉ afterwards.
“So I’m going to go out there and give it my all and I’m just thrilled to be in the final. But it’s not over yet just because I got into a final. I’ll be going out there and giving everything that I have.”
All Irish eyes now turn to Sarah Lavin and Sean Tobin in tomorrow’s 60m hurdles semi-finals and 3,000m final respectively after their stunning exploits and PBs this morning.
What a run by Phil Healy. Three world-class acts ahead of her and she was right there with them to the line. Fastest 400 of her life in her third race in two days. Cruel it won't be rewarded with a medal.
— Cathal Dennehy (@Cathal_Dennehy) March 6, 2021
