O'Dwyer makes World Indoor high jump final

20-year-old Irish champion high jumper Adrian O’Dwyer qualified for tomorrow’s final at the World Indoor Athletics Championships in Budapest this afternoon.

On his last attempt at the height, the Kilkenny City Harrier went over at 2.27 metres, just below his personal best, to qualify last of the nine finalists who all could only manage 2.27, with Jamaican Germaine Mason given first, after three clear jumps.

Coached by former Olympian Maeve Kyle, O’Dwyer erred on his run up to his first attempt at 2.20, but soon cleared and passed at 2.24 before clearing 2.27 on his third try.

Reigning champion Stefan Holm of Sweden also qualified, well below his best and the original qualifying standard of 2.30.

O’Dwyer has made steady progression this season, hitting 2.20m for silver at the British AAA Championships, 2.24m for an All-comers record at the Nationals in Belfast and most recently 2.28m, equalling Brendan O'Reilly’s Irish record, on the final day for Budapest qualification.

Tomorrow’s final begins at 5.15pm Irish time, with only seven Europeans having jumped higher than the Irish man this season.

Result:

10th World Indoor Championships, Budapest – First Round: (1) G Mason (JAM) 2.27 (q) (SB), (2) S Vasilache (ROM) 2.27 (q), (3) S Holm (SWE) 2.27 (q), (9) A O’Dwyer (IRL) 2.27 (q)