Delight in Paris as Kelly McGrory and Ireland reach Olympic 4x400m Relay final

Kelly McGrory and Team Ireland have reached the final following an impressive performance in their Women's 4 x 400m Relay heat at the Olympic Games in Paris.

Laghey native McGrory ran the third of the four legs, with Sharlene Mawdsley taking the team home in third place at the Stade de France.

In a close contest, Ireland finished in a time of 3:25.05, which was enough to come in just behind Jamacia in 3:24.92 and the Netherlands on 3:25.03. Canada finished fifth and made the final with  3:25.77. 

The top three from both heats were guaranteed progression, plus the two next fastest.

Sophie Becker led the charge on the first leg, leading the race with  50.90 seconds to pass onto Phil Healy, with an excellent start.  Healy continued that form to clock 51.90 and by the halfway point, Ireland were still in front. Olympic debutant from Tír Chonaill AC McGrory ran the third leg in 52.60, with the race tightening up and Ireland fourth ahead of the final leg. 

Mawdsley, blocked in a little at the turn to run a lap of 49.65, made her way around to get into third, which was enough for automatic qualification for the final.

The first heat was won by the United States, who waltzed to victory in a time of 3:21.44, with Great Britain second in 3:24.72 and France third, clocking 3:24.73. That left Belgium and Spain, who posted 3:24.92 and 3:28.29 respectively sweating in fourth and fifth ahead of the second heat. Belgium joined Canada in taking the last two places in the final.