A remarkable Irish performance at the European Athletics Championships in Rome continued on Sunday as 20-year-old Nicola Tuthill became the first Irish woman since 2007 to qualify for the Hammer final at a major senior championship.
20 year old Tuthill secures a spot in tomorrow’s Hammer final 💪
She is the first Irish woman to reach a major senior championship final since O’Keefe in Osaka in ’07
📈Attempts: 65.76-69.04-69.85
📅Hammer Throw Final-Mon 10th @ 8.33pm
#Roma2024 #IrishAthletics @ask123ie pic.twitter.com/SQxQFwRKvf
— Athletics Ireland (@irishathletics) June 9, 2024
Eileen O’Keefe was the last to accomplish this feat at the World Championships in Osaka, finishing in sixth place.
Tuthill secured her place in Monday’s Hammer final at 8.33pm with an impressive series of throws, finishing comfortably within the top 12 qualifying spots in 7th place. Her best throw of the day came in her final attempt with a massive 69.85, ensuring a top 12 finish in her first senior European Championships.
The evening session will feature the women’s 400m trio of Rhasidat Adeleke, Sharlene Mawdsley, and Sophie Becker aiming for a spot in Monday’s medal decider starting at 7.05pm. Mawdsley and Adeleke will also be celebrating their historic gold for Ireland in the mixed 4x400m relay.
☘️ WOW! What a day of action there is ahead at the European Athletics Championships in Rome today🇮🇹!
Just look how much Irish interest there is there!
🤣If you need us, we’ll be glued to the TV 📺
👀Will you be tuning in? Let us know⬇️#athletics pic.twitter.com/H90Y19b6OO
— Her Sport (@HerSportDotIE) June 9, 2024
The focus will then shift to the women’s 1500m final with Ciara Mageean and Sarah Healy competing for European glory from 9.36pm.
Day 3 (Sunday) Morning Results:
Shona Heaslip – Women’s Half M – 34th Shona Heaslip 1:12:19 SB
Emily Haggard Kearney – Women’s Half M – 64th Emily Haggard-Kearney 1:17:04 SB
Nicola Tuthill – Women’s Hammer Throw – 7th in qualifying with 69.85Q
Kelly McGrory – Women’s 400m Hurdles – 7th in heat 57.10 PB