THOMAS BARR AND Michelle Finn both secured automatic qualification for the Tokyo Olympics following superb performances at the Paavo Nurmi Games in Turku, Finland today.
Barr stormed home at a season best time of 48.39 seconds to win the men’s 400m hurdles event and secure his place at the Games.
It was his fastest time since winning bronze at the 2018 European Championships.
Estonia’s Rasmus Magi was second at 48.58, with Nick Smidt of the Netherlands third at 49.64.
On the first day of the Paavo Nurmi Games in Turku, Thomas Barr 🇮🇪 won the 400m hurdles in 48.39.
— European Athletics (@EuroAthletics) June 7, 2021
His time was a European lead and his fastest since winning bronze at the 2018 European Championships! 💥#ContinentalTour pic.twitter.com/HWMyH4tvzE
Barr was matched by Magi for much of the race but pulled ahead after clearing the final hurdle.
Meanwhile Finn also qualified for Tokyo after a brilliant effort in the 3000m race.
The 31-year-old ran a personal best time of 9:29:25 to finish second behind Winfred Yavi of Bahrain.
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