Israel Olatunde becomes fastest Irishman in history at European Athletics Championships

Israel Olatunde has broken the Irish 100m record in last night's European Championships 100m final in Munich, Germany, cementing his status as the fastest Irishman in history.

The Dundalk’s delivered a stunning performance, finishing sixth in the men’s 100m final in 10.17 seconds and breaking Paul Hession’s national record of 10.18.

Gold went to Olympic champion Marcell Jacobs with championship record of 9.95, while silver went to Britain’s Zharnel Hughes in 9.99 and bronze to Britain’s Jeremiah Azu in 10.13.

Earlier in the night, UCD student Olatunde clocked 10.20 to finish runner-up to Jacobs in his semi-final, grabbing an automatic spot in the final.

“It’s amazing – to produce my best in a European final and become the fastest Irishman in history, I’m so grateful,” 20-year-old Olatunde told the Irish Independent after his final.

“I got out a little slow and I remembered what my coach (Daniel Kilgallon) told me, ‘just stay relaxed’ and that’s what I did. I was more excited than nervous coming out, but I told myself to just enjoy it.”

Israel lowered the Irish U23 record four times before last night’s final, which was held in front of a packed out crowd in the German city. The sprinter was the books of Dun Dealgan AC for a considerable length of time and became the first ever Irish athlete to reach a senior Championship athletics 100m final.

He celebrated with the tricolour on the famous Olympic Stadium track when his time came up.

“It was so great to be out there in that atmosphere,” said Olatunde. “When I knew I wasn’t in the top three at the finish, all I wanted was to see what time I got and to get the national record was a dream come true. I’m 20 years old and a few years ago, I never would have believed this moment would come. I’m just going to keep working and building on this.

“Dan Kilgallon and the sprints scene in Tallaght have pushed me on to newer heights and I’m so grateful for them. If I can do it, anyone else can do it.”

'It's amazing to be here in a European final... I'm just so grateful to be here' - European finalist and new Irish record holder Israel Olatunde speaks to @DavidGillick after his stunning performance in Munich #rtesport #Munich2022 pic.twitter.com/6PxzriAKCE

— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) August 16, 2022

In the men’s 5000m final, Brian Fay and Darragh McElhinney compepted against world champion Jakob Ingebrigtsen, who took home gold in 13:21:13.

Fay pushed through in the last lap to clock 13:31.87 to take eighth. McElhinney had been on track for a top-six finish until the last 300m, where the Cork athlete struggled to the finish line to 16th place in 13:39.11.