by Ireland’s Olatunde makes history at European Championships
Updated at 22.47
ISRAEL OLATUNDE tonight became the first Irish athlete to book a spot in the final of the 100m at the European Championships in Munich.
He then finished in sixth place in the final with a new national record of 10.17.
The UCD athlete was just 0.04 away from a medal.
Olympic champion Marcell Jacobs of Italy triumphed with a time of 9.95, while there was a double medal haul for Britain as Zharnel Hughes (9.99) and Jeremiah Azu (10.13) claimed silver and bronze respectively.
The 20-year-old Irish star, who earlier was running in the second of three semi-finals, produced a brilliant final 50 metres to clock a time of 10.20 to take second place and progress to the final as an automatic qualifier.
Olatunde’s stunning performance follows Ciara Mageean’s brilliant run to see her through to the final of the women’s 1,500m while teenage sensation Rhasidat Adeleke has also progressed to the 400m final.
Another superb top 10 finish for Brian Fay at a major European Championships with his trademark fast finish 🇮🇪🤩
Darragh McElhinney with a real show of ambition which took it’s toll 👏
5,000m:
⏱️Fay 8th in 13.31.87
⏱️McElhinney 16th in 13:39.11— Athletics Ireland (@irishathletics) August 16, 2022
Elsewhere, Ireland’s Brian Fay clocked a time of 13.31.87 to finish in eighth place in the men’s 5,000m, while Norway’s Jakob Ingebrigtsen stormed to victory to defend his title. Darragh McElhinney was also in action for Ireland, coming home in 16th place in a time of 13:39.11.
‘The Irish flag is draped around his shoulders, he’s enjoying the moment’ – Israel Olatunde reacts after a stunning performance and a new national record in the final of the European Championships #Munich2022 #rteasport pic.twitter.com/vmQPZw8Onc
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) August 16, 2022
“It’s amazing to be here in a European final… I’m just so grateful to be here,” a jubilant Olatunde told RTÉ after his heroics.
“I can’t believe it, this whole season has been such a blessing.
See Sport
Differently
Get closer to the stories that matter with exclusive analysis, insight and debate in The42 Membership
“I think just believing in myself and my faith [was key], believing in those people around me that’s got me to this point. It’s been a long journey to get here, I know I’m still young and have a long way to go but I’m just grateful for the journey I’ve been on to get to this point.
“I know this isn’t going to be the end.
“I had no idea I ran that fast, it was kind of a blur, I didn’t know what was going on, I just knew I crossed the line and was happy.”
‘It’s amazing to be here in a European final… I’m just so grateful to be here’ – European finalist and new Irish record holder Israel Olatunde speaks to @DavidGillick after his stunning performance in Munich #rtesport #Munich2022 pic.twitter.com/6PxzriAKCE
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) August 16, 2022
The42 is on Instagram! Tap the button below on your phone to follow us!