Early error ruins Sarah Lavin's medal dreams at European Championships

The 30-year-old Limerick athlete clattering the second barrier with her lead leg. with that, her chance was gone, the momentum lost.

COSTLY ERROR: Sarah Lavin of Ireland reacts after finishing the women's 100m hurdles final during day two of the 2024 European Athletics Championships at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, Italy. Photo by Sam Barnes/Sportsfile

At this level one mistake is fatal, and Sarah Lavin got an unwelcome reminder of that at the European Championships in Rome on Saturday night, the 30-year-old Limerick athlete clattering the second barrier with her lead leg, ending her medal hopes in the 100m hurdles final.

With that, her chance was gone, Lavin running on and doing her best but having to settle for seventh place in 12.94. That left her trailing far behind French champion Cyrena Samba-Mayela, who powered to victory in a championship record of 12.31.