Thomas Barr a split second outside the medals in 400 metres hurdles

Barr missed out on a bronze medal by five hundredths of a second, after a powerful finish.

Thomas Barr has finished fourth in the men's 400m hurdles final at the Olympic Games in Rio, smashing the Irish record in the process, writes Will Downing in Rio.

Barr clocked 47.97 seconds, with Kerron Clement of the USA winning in 47.73, followed by Boniface Tumuti of Kenya second in 47.78, and Turkey's Yasmani Copello third in 47.92, edging Barr out by five-hundredths of a second.

.@TomBarr247 could not have done any more. 47.97 a fantastic NR past Tuesday's 48.39. #Rio2016 #IRL pic.twitter.com/sDW9YHnJtk

— Will Downing (@WillDowningComm) August 18, 2016

The Waterford hurdler was the first sprint finalist for Ireland at an Olympic Games since 1932.

Barr had been a surprise finalist in the race, after coming into peak condition at just the right time. The 24-year-old was beset by injuries in the month leading up to the Games.

Crowds had gathered all around Ireland, but particularly in his native Waterford, to cheer Barr on.

6 mins to go!!! pic.twitter.com/QDqfGjDwWD

— Damien Tiernan (@damienwlr) August 18, 2016

And in Rio, follow Olympian Gary O’Donovan led a sizeable Irish contingent in support of the runner.

More to follow.