Hession stays in hunt but heartbreak for Ailis

PAUL HESSION made this evening’s final of the men’s 200m among the fastest losers after a nail-biting wait at the Olympic Stadium in Barcelona last night, where Ailis McSweeney failed by a mere 100th of a second to make the final of the women’s 100m.

Hession was always among the favourites to make it to the final and will still go to the line tonight among the possible medallists, despite his minor setback.

He had to battle his way around the bend on a track that was still soaking from the earlier thunderstorm — he had to warm up in a deluge — and got himself into position for a good finish. It appeared as if he might even challenge Jaysuma Saidy Ndujre (Norway) and Marlon Devonish (Great Britain) until the last 50 metres.