Ireland's Thomas Barr misses out on Olympic bronze but sets new national record

Ireland's Thomas Barr missed out on a Olympic bronze medal by an agonising 0.05 seconds as his new national record of 47.97 left him in fourth place in the 400m hurdles in Rio.

Despite a late surge, Barr was narrowly pipped to the finish line by Turkey's Yasmani Copella.

The 24-year-old, who did not even make the final at last month's European Championships, cut 0.42 seconds off the Irish record he set in the semi-finals.

America's Kerron Clement won gold in 47.73 and Kenya's Boniface Tumuti came second.

"I would be lying if I said I was complaining, but I was so close - five hundredths and I think I could have found it," said Barr. 

"Fourth is the worst place as you are so close."

Barr had less than ideal preparations for Rio 2016, as he battled hip and groin problems.

The Waterford hurdler became the first Irishman to compete in an Olympic 400m hurdles final since Bob Tisdall won gold in 1932.

"I had no chance on paper after all my injuries," he said. "Maybe I should miss three months of training every year."

To date, Ireland have won two silver medals at the Olympic Games in Rio, through Annalise Murphy in sailing and brothers Gary O'Donovan and Paul O'Donovan in the men's lightweight double sculls.