Alex Lee has finished 5th in this Heat in the T64 400m at the World Para Athletics Championships in Dubai this evening. The Galway sprinter, who officially became Ireland’s first ever ‘blade runner’ ran a time of 25:22 which was just 3 tenths of a second off his best ever time in the event.
Lee, who only began his para athletics career just 18 months ago, was competing in his first ever major championships. The former League of Ireland football player was able to draw on his previous sporting background to improve quickly and that big match temperament certainly helped him to overcome his nerves as he took to the blocks.
It was always going to be a big ask for Alex to qualify at his first World Championship event but he was very competitive and remained in contention throughout to finish 6th in his race which was improved to 5th when Lal of India was disqualified after the event.
The American duo of Kevan Hueftle and David Prince made it an American 1-2 as Hueftle recorded a time of 22:92 with Manigrasso of Italy finishing in third place.
Speaking after the race Alex Lee said ‘Every time I step on the track, whether it’s somewhere like here or up in Dangan in Galway I learn something new, I am new to the sport so every time I step out whether it’s training, gym, track I try and learn something and bring it forward into the next session or next race.’
Alex won’t have long to wait to put his new learnings into action as he returns to competition on Sunday when he competes in the 100m Heats.
Orla Barry will be the next Irish competitor in action when she competes tomorrow in the Discus, the European champion is expected in action at 2:43pm Irish time in an event where she is ranked 4th in the field for this season.
World Para Athletics Championships, Dubai Day 2
Team Ireland Results
Alex Lee, T64 200m Heat, 25:22 (5th position)
World Para Athletics Championships, Dubai Day 3 Schedule
Orla Barry, F57 Discus Final, 6:43pm (2:43pm Irish Time)
World Para Athletics Championships, Dubai Day 4 Schedule
Alex Lee, T64 100m Heat, 10:04am (6:04am Irish Time)
