PHIL HEALY NARROWLY missed out on qualifying for the semi-finals of the 400m at the Japan National Stadium.
Running from lane six in heat five, a powerful push on the final stretch saw Healy cross in a time of 51.98.
That time left Healy in contention to advance as a fastest qualifier with one more heat to go.
The top three from each heat advance as well as the next six fastest qualifiers.
Jamaica’s Stephenie Ann McPherson won Healy’s heat in a time of 50.89. Natalia Kaczmarek of Poland was second at 51.06 with Mexico’s Paola Moran third at 51.18.
‘I came out here and gave it absolutely everything and performed to the best of my ability’ - @philhealy2 misses out on a 400m semi-final by .07 of a second but remains proud of her history-making exploits in Tokyo#tokyo2020 #RTESport #athletics pic.twitter.com/HzIBluhelb
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) August 3, 2021
However there was heartbreak for the Ballineen Bullet as the results in heat six saw her slip out of the qualifying spots, missing out by just 0.07 of a second.
The race also saw Healy make history as the first female Irish athlete to compete in three athletics events at the same Olympic Games.
The 26-year-old also ran in the 200m and mixed 4x400m mixed relay events.
“I went out there and gave it my all and that’s my second fastest outdoor time ever, but I know if I was fresh it would certainly have been a PB,” Healy said.
“To fall short again is disappointing, but it definitely gave me comfort today knowing what I did on top of yesterday.”
Updated at 7.13am to include reaction from Phil Healy.
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