Cuddihy fails to qualify for semis

Starting in the difficult lane number eight, in the fourth heat of the 400m this morning in Beijing, Irish track athlete Joanne Cuddihy failed to qualify for the semi-finals.

The 24-year-old Kilkenny woman finished sixth in a time of 53.32, well outside her personal best of 50.73.

It was her first race since June after a spell in recovery with a knee injury.

The heat was won by Great Britain's Christine Ohuruogu in 52.00.

Only the top three finishers in each heat and the three fastest losers make the semi-finals.