The Daily Star Ireland
Ireland will have representation in the men’s 1500m final at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, as Andrew Coscoran powered through his semi-final to secure qualification. However, there was heartbreak in the women’s 100m hurdles, where Sarah Lavin fell just short of a place in the final despite a strong showing.
Coscoran Makes History in Tokyo
Balbriggan’s Andrew Coscoran produced one of the performances of his career, finishing fifth in his semi-final with a time of 3:35.65. With the top six from each semi advancing, Coscoran left it late but surged strongly down the home straight in a tightly packed finish. His effort not only secured him a place in the final but also made him the fifth fastest overall qualifier, marking the first time he has reached a global championship final.
The race itself was a tactical battle, won by Dutch rising star Niels Laros in 3:35.50, just ahead of reigning world champion Josh Kerr. Britain’s Jake Wightman, the 2022 champion, crossed third in 3:35.56, with Kenya’s Olympic silver medallist Timothy Cheruiyot close behind.
Reflecting on the drama of the final lap, Coscoran admitted it was a tense and physical contest:
“I was seventh for a lot of the race, and I knew I needed top six. There was nowhere to go, I was boxed in. In the last 100 I had plenty to give but no space. I just tried to dip between Jake Wightman and another runner, clipped one of them, and tumbled a little. But I got my shoulders across the line. I’m buzzing, absolutely buzzing.”
He will contest the 1500m final on Wednesday at 2:20pm Irish time, broadcast live on RTÉ2 and the RTÉ Player.
Controversy in Heat Two: Olympic Champion Disqualified
Elsewhere in the event, Olympic gold medallist Cole Hocker initially qualified from the second semi, won by Kenya’s Reynold Cheruiyot in 3:36.64. However, Hocker was disqualified for jostling under rule TR17.1.2, ending his title defense hopes. An appeal from the U.S. team was later denied, adding further drama to what is shaping up to be one of the most competitive 1500m finals in recent years.
Lavin’s Brave Bid Falls Short
In the women’s 100m hurdles, Sarah Lavin produced a determined effort but missed out on qualification after finishing fourth in her semi-final with a time of 12.86 seconds. Only the top two from each race plus the two fastest losers advanced, and Lavin’s time was not enough to carry her through once the second semi concluded.
The Limerick native, visibly frustrated but reflective in her post-race interview, admitted she struggled with her rhythm early in the race:
“I’ve let myself down with that first hurdle. I’ve definitely improved my flight time, but I’m not utilising my speed between hurdles. When you’re learning something new, you’re thinking too much, and that slows you down.”
Lavin, who has been chasing consistency all season, added that she knows her best is yet to come:
“I know if I’m at my best, I’m a 12.60 runner. This season has been anything but consistent, and I feel like I keep saying I just have to go back and work harder. But I should remind myself—I’m 13th in the world, and the world is a pretty big place.”
What’s Next for Team Ireland
Coscoran’s qualification provides a huge boost for Irish athletics, with the 27-year-old now carrying the nation’s medal hopes in one of the most prestigious middle-distance races on the global stage. Lavin, while disappointed, can take pride in ranking among the world’s top hurdlers and will look to regroup ahead of next season.
With Coscoran chasing history in the 1500m final and Lavin continuing her climb in the global hurdles scene, Irish athletics remains firmly in the spotlight at the Tokyo World Championships.
