Barr’s Bislett Blitz

By Cathal Dennehy  

Photo: Sportsfile.com
Given where Thomas Barr was this time last year – injured, unfit, frustrated – his run at the Oslo Diamond League last night, where he finished third in a season’s best of 48.95, was just about as good as it gets, at least at this time of year.

Of course, we all know now how 2016 worked out for the Waterford man, who came from nowhere to within inches of the Olympic podium after running 47.97 to finish fourth in the 400m hurdles final.

Last night in Oslo, he demonstrated his trademark finishing strength to slice through the field and dip under 49 seconds for the first time this year – the tenth time in his career – and book his spot at the World Championships in London. The race was won by Norwegian wunderkind Karsten Warholm, who set a national record of 48.25.

What makes Barr’s run all the more impressive is that he had missed training in recent weeks with a foot injury, but as we learned last year, that doesn’t always spell disaster for the 24-year-old. At the same time, with a whole seven weeks until London, he’s in prime position to mount a bid for his first medal at a major global championships.

It’s early days, and history has taught us that expectations are often a dangerous precursor to disappointment, but right now things look good – very good.