Longford’s Cian McPhillips wins World Athletics Championships 800m heat with classy run

By Barry Sheil
Published 16th Sep 2025, 12:51 BST
Updated 18th Sep 2025, 18:44 BST
Cian McPhillips celebrates winning his men's 800m heat at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo Picture: Sam Barnes/Sportsfileplaceholder image
Cian McPhillips celebrates winning his men's 800m heat at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo Picture: Sam Barnes/Sportsfile

Cian McPhillips produced a fantastic performance to take the victory in his heat of the 800 metres at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo on Tuesday.

Going into the race, McPhillips was ranked sixth fastest of the nine men drawn in heat 4 based on season’s best times.

The competition was going to be intense with there being automatic qualifier places for only the first three finishers who would advance to Thursday’s semi-final.

The pace in the opening lap was quick and covered in 52 seconds with McPhillips well positioned behind the leaders. With 200m remaining, he made a move into lane two before making a strong run around the final bend and powering down the home straight clear of a world-class field.placeholder image
The pace in the opening lap was quick and covered in 52 seconds with McPhillips well positioned behind the leaders. With 200m remaining, he made a move into lane two before making a strong run around the final bend and powering down the home straight clear of a world-class field.

He crossed the finish line first in 1:44.91 with the 2024 World Indoor Champion Bryce Hoppel of the USA in second place.

Also read: When and how to watch the Irish in action at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo

Related topics:LongfordCian McPhillipsLongford Athletics Club
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