Solid Euro show by O’Loughlin in Gyor

DONORE Harriers' Louis O'Loughlin was part of the very successful Irish team that competed in the European Under 18 Track & Field Championships in Gyor, Hungary.

With the experience of competing in the European Youth Olympics at the same venue last summer, the Clondalkin man turned in a mature perform-ance in his 800m heat, going through 400m in second place in 57 seconds, and maintaining his composure on the second lap to finish third in 1.57.76, safely qualifying for the semi final.

Louis O'Loughlin took sixth in the 800m semis

On Saturday evening, half an hour after seeing Irish team mate Rhasidat Adeleke win gold in the 200m, O’Loughlin lined up in the second 800m semi final and finished sixth in a time of 1.55.22, just missing out on a place in the final by less than two seconds.

A foot injury earlier in the summer undoubtedly hampered his preparation, but he can draw a lot of encouragement from this performance on the Euro stage.