Andrew Coscoran, right, celebrates with Jake Wightman of Great Britain after the men’s 1500m semi-finals at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan. Photo: Sam Barnes/Sportsfile
Just one Irish athlete will be in action at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo tomorrow, with Andrew Coscoran taking to the track for the 1500m final at 2.20pm Irish time.
The Dubliner produced the performance of his life to finish fifth in the semi-final on Monday and he promised to “give it socks” in the medal decider. The race will be the climactic event of the programme at the Japan National Stadium and the favourite is young Dutch star Niels Laros, who has wicked finishing speed and who’s looked invincible on the Diamond League circuit in recent weeks.
However, he will have to take the throne from reigning world champion Josh Kerr, the Briton who has a habit of always producing his best performances when it matters most. Given Jakob Ingebrigtsen – who’s renowned for pushing the pace hard from a long way out – was eliminated in the heats, there’s every chance the early pace is slow and we will see a furious final lap.
“It could be a more tactical affair and if it is, it plays into my hands,” said Coscoran, who has worked a lot on his speed this year. “I’m prepared for any kind of race.”
Other finals to be decided include the women’s 3000m steeplechase, the men’s long jump and women’s pole vault. Dutch star Femke Bol will race the semi-finals of the women’s 400m hurdles, while in the semi-finals of the men’s 400m hurdles, Olympic champion Rai Benjamin and world champion Karsten Warholm will want to make a statement to the other as they remain on a collision course in Friday’s final.
World Athletics Championships, Tokyo Live, RTÉ 2, 11.15am; BBC Two, 11am
Irish in action, Wednesday (Irish time)
2.20pm: Andrew Coscoran, men’s 1500m final