Sligo is celebrating two Olympic finalists in Tokyo after North Sligo Athletic Club’s Christopher O’Donnell anchored the Ireland 4×400 metres mixed relay quartet to a second place in finish in their semi-final heat on Friday.
Ireland crossed the line in fourth place behind the United States and the Dominican Republic – but the Americans and Dominicans were subsequently disqualified with the Irish upgraded to second which automatically qualifies them for the final.
The US and Dominican Republic have since been reinstated, but it does not affect Ireland’s place in the final.
Ireland’s time – a new national record of 3mins 12.88secs – would still have been good enough to send them through as a fastest loser from the two semi-finals.
Nine teams will now contest Saturday’s final.
O’Donnell follows in the footsteps of fellow Grange native Mona McSharry, who was an Olympic finalist in the pool earlier this week.
