Limerick's Sarah Lavin takes giant step towards realising Olympic dream

LIMERICK hurdler Sarah Lavin took another giant step towards securing Olympic qualification when producing a stunning performance in Madrid on Saturday.

Twenty seven-year-old Lisnagry woman Lavin broke the 13-second barrier for the first time when coming home second in the women's 100m hurdles at the World Athletics Continental Tour silver meeting in the Spanish capital.

The Emerald AC athlete, who is coached by Noelle Morrissey, cut a full 0.24 seconds off her previous PB as she clocked an impressive 12.95 seconds.

Lavin had clocked 13.20 in her semi-final before producing her breakthrough run to finish second in the final.

Derval O'Rourke was the only Irish woman to have broken 13 seconds.

Prior to Saturdays event in Madrid, Lavin had occupied 43rd spot in the 100m hurdles Road to Tokyo standings with the top 40 set to earn Olympic places.

Sub 13 seconds club

Sarah Lavin became only the second Irish women in history to break 13 seconds over 100m hurdles

The Emerald AC athlete posted a 12:95 PB yesterday in the #ContinentalTour Meet Final in Madrid to join Derval O’Rourke in running under 13 seconds pic.twitter.com/f8udU7MZIZ

— Athletics Ireland (@irishathletics) June 20, 2021

Given that her previous best was 13.19 seconds, the Limerick woman is expected to move several spots up the rankings which will be finalised on June 29.

She will have a further chance to earn more crucial ranking points at next weekend's Irish Championships at Santry.

Sub 13 seconds (12.95) big personal best for @sarahlavin_ perfect timing for Tokyo qualification with that run
Amazing to see her in sub 13 territory & so well deserved ‍♀️ pic.twitter.com/zgBQcV834M

— Derval O'Rourke (@DervalORourke) June 19, 2021