Gareth Turnbull overcame the frustration of three years plagued by injury to reach the semi-finals of the 1,500 metres at the World Championships in Paris this evening.
Gareth Turnbull overcame the frustration of three years plagued by injury to reach the semi-finals of the 1,500 metres at the World Championships in Paris this evening.
The 24-year-old clocked a time of 3:41.84 to qualify for Monday's semi-finals as a fastest loser.
Running in the final heat of the competition, the Belfast athlete took the field off at a brisk pace to ensure there would be no disappointment and despite coming home in seventh spot, Turnbull qualified comfortably.
Earlier today, the Irish team's championship had gotten off to an inauspicious start with Paul McKee failing to progress from his 400 metres heat.
The Belfastman had high hopes after claiming bronze at the World Indoors earlier this year but, having struggled with a hamstring problem throughout the summer, was well off the pace at the Stade de France.
McKee, 24, had put himself in contention over the first 200 but could find nothing extra coming off the bend and trailed off to finish last of the seven starters.
Marie Davenport did not start her 10,000m final this evening.