Good man, Thomas Barr!
On Thursday evening, Waterford athlete Thomas Barr became the first Irishman in the 84-year history of the European Athletics Championships to win a medal in a sprint event.
Barr took the bronze medal in the 400-metre sprint today after a Trojan effort that saw him pull back into third with seconds to go before the finishing line.
In a post-race interview with RTÉ, Barr explained the moment that he knew he had it in him to take the bronze.
“It hasn’t sunk in. I felt so relaxed beforehand. I’m so glad I pulled it out on the day. There’s so much Irish support out here, I can’t believe it, I couldn’t have asked for more.”
Watching footage of the race back, Barr explained that he had prepared for eventual winner Karsten Warholm to come up on his shoulder. Barr also explained the importance of staying as relaxed and as fast as he possible could.
As for how he won it, Barr said: “I could see the French man inside me, but I knew I could pick him off right about now. Had the finishing strength there to hold him off.
“I’m after doing your job here, doing the commentary.”
Watch the interview in full below:
"Earlier in the day I felt nervous but as time went on I felt more relaxed" – @TomBarr247 reflects on becoming the first Irishman in the 84-year history of the European Athletics Championships to win a medal in a sprint event #rtesport pic.twitter.com/zgaq3BLpmb
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) August 9, 2018
