A MAN FOR the big occasion, Thomas Barr has this evening produced his season’s best to win bronze in the 400 metres hurdle final at the European Championships in Berlin.
The Waterford native, who finished fourth at the Rio Olympics two summers ago, produced a sensational run to claim his first major championship medal.
Barr becomes the first Irishman to medal in a sprint event at the European Championships, clocking a time of 48.31 for third, his second fastest time ever.
Running out of lane eight, Barr said he felt relaxed pre-race and it showed in his performance as he finished strongly down the home straight to win a historic medal in the green vest.
“It hasn’t sunk in,” he told RTÉ Sport afterwards.
“I felt so relaxed beforehand and I knew it would take close to a personal best and I pulled it out on the day. There’s so much Irish support here, I couldn’t ask for more.
Norway’s Karsten Warholm held off the challenge of defending champion Yasmani Copello to claim gold.
Watch as Thomas Barr held on to take a bronze medal in the 400m hurdles at the European Athletics Championships #rtesport pic.twitter.com/tanLZMr9bB
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) August 9, 2018
Great tribute. But it’s a shame that you can’t even mention in the article how he died! Part of the reason people commit suicide is because they feel they can’t talk about it! Attitudes need to change!
Spot on Paul.
I agree 100%. Suicide, depression, we need to talk openly and acknowledge that depression is very much a part of life for many people and without support and care can and frequently does lead to suicide.
Such a loss and so young. From someone who suffers from depression let’s keep his memory alive to help young men especially from suicidal ideation.
It shouldn’t be referred as “to commit” either as it’s no longer a criminal offence,,talk talk talk is the first step in combatting this problem!!he was a great hurler and he will forever be missed!!
The player in focus in the photo (no. 8) is Andy Smith not Niall.
Player in the photo is Niall.