Limerick hurdler Sarah Lavin powers into semi-finals at World Athletics Championships

LIMERICK sprint hurlder Sarah Lavin has booked her place in Monday's women's 100m hurdles semi-finals at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan.

Emerald AC athlete Lavin advanced to the next round when finishing third in her heat in a time of 12.94 seconds.

That heat was won by Masai Russell, of the USA, in 12.53, with South Africa's Marione Fourie in second in a time of 12.86.

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Lisnagry Olympian Lavin, who is coached by Noelle Morrissey, produced a strong second half in her heat to come home third and book an automatic place in Monday's semi-finals in Tokyo. 

Lavin's personal best time for the event is 12.62, while the Limerick woman has clocked 12.76 this season.

“That was less than perfect,” Lavin admitted after her heat.

“I’m surprised that time automatically qualifies, but if you look at everyone’s times, they’re all a bit down. You can bring whatever to a championship, but you’ve got to deliver in the moment, it’s like the Leaving Cert!”

“My strength is the second half of my race and that’s my main positive to take from today. I didn’t panic and I came through, I’m grateful that’s there. Now I need to get the first half right,” she added.

Lavin's semi-final in the 100m hurdles will take place at 1.06pm Irish time on Monday. The first two athletes home with gain automatic qualification for the final along with the two fastest finishers across the semi-finals.