Thomas Barr: 'I’d 100% back Fionnuala McCormack'

Thomas Barr came out strongly in support of Irish teammate Fionnuala McCormack at the European Athletics Championships in Amsterdam last night, calling on athletics authorities to heed the advice of the Wicklow runner.

Barr, who was eliminated after finishing fifth in the semi-final of the 400m hurdles last night, said McCormack had the support of her Irish teammates after she said the rules governing transfers of allegiance in athletics are “a joke”, an issue which has sparked controversy throughout the week in Amsterdam.

“I’d 100% back Fionnuala,” said Barr. “Had it been some other athlete that’s used to mouthing off, it would have fallen on deaf ears, but as it’s Fionnuala, who’s so modest and quietly spoken, her message hit hard. She didn’t go to town. She made her points very clearly and very rationally, so it made sense. She had good reason for it.”