English and Lavin through to Olympic semi-finals, disappointment for Fay, Healy, and O'Sullivan

Lavin finished second in her heat, qualifying automatically for the semi-finals. 

JOB DONE: Ireland’s Sarah Lavin on her way to finishing second and qualifying for the semi-final. Picture: ©INPHO/Morgan Treacy

As starts go, this was about as good as Sarah Lavin and Mark English could have hoped for. Both Irish athletes turned in hugely impressive displays at the Stade de France to their Olympic campaigns in Paris this morning, finishing second in their respective heats and advancing to the semi-finals with ease.

Lavin got a lightning start in her 100m hurdles and turned in a crisp, clean display to put it up to reigning world champion Danielle Williams of Jamaica, who won in 12.59, the Limerick athlete following her home in 12.73. Switzerland’s Ditaji Kambundji took the third automatic qualifying spot in 12.81.