After a sensational run in the 200m sprinting field at this year's Olympics, Athenry Sprinter Paul Hession failed to qualify for the 200m final yesterday afternoon by just a tenth of a second.

Athenry athlete Paul Hession waits for his official time to be posted after crossing the line in the semi-final of the Men's 200m, in which he finished fifth in a time of 20.38 seconds. The first eight made the final. Photo: Brendan Moran/SPORTSFILE

From lane five, Hession ran at a time of 20.38, which left him in fifth place in the race. While Irish supporters were still hopeful, the second semi final was a lot faster with a qualifying time of 20.09. Five of the runners in his heat had a faster personal and seasonal best than Hession. The fastest Irishman in sprint history needed to better his Irish record time of 20.25 in order to qualify for today's final.

Churandy Martina from the Netherlands Antilles was first in a time of 20.11. Zimbabwe's Brian Dzingai was second in 20.17, while pre-race favourite Walter Dix of the USA was third in 20.19. Britain's Christian Malcolm took the final qualifying place, finishing in 20.25.

"Paul ran a great time yesterday and he more than did himself proud. It was a world performance from a world-class athlete. Paul was only 100th of a second away from qualifying for an Olympic final," said NUIG Sports and Recreation Officer, Tony Regan.

"This was really a great Olympics for Paul and he has more than done himself, Galway and Ireland proud," he added.

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