Laura safe passage to semi-final and Nick relishes Paris occasion

Tuesday 6th August 2024

Paris 2024 Results

Laura Muir opened up her quest for glory in the Women’s 1500m with a strong run in the Paris 2024 heats.

It was an early start in the Stade de France for the Tokyo Olympic medallist but Laura covered all the moves and came home in second place with the top six assured of progress.

Step one complete was the verdict after clocking 3:58.91 just behind Gudaf Tsegay, who had raced in the Women’s 5000m the night before (3:58.84).

Fellow Brit Georgia Bell followed Laura into the semi-finals with a solid run in the second heat.

‘Ultimately it was all about trying to qualify for the semi-finals without any hiccups,’ ssid Laura.

‘I did that and it felt really smooth. All the focus is on reaching that final.

‘I’m not thinking about the final yet, it is all about the semi-final. It is so easy to get carried away I’ve been here many times before and always made the final but I never took it for granted.’

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Nick Percy featured in the discus qualification groups on Monday morning and it was a moment to savour for the Scottish thrower in the Stade de France.

Nick threw out to 61.81m to finish 12^th in his qualification group (of 16) and that was not enough – with global standards high – but his feelings about being an Olympian were abundantly clear.

‘I am feeling absolute joy,’ insisted Nick in Paris.

‘This is my final, been here at this event. Seeing how well everyone is throwing today, this will definitely be the highest standard to reach a final ever.

‘It’s the Olympic Games and there is a lot of pressure, you only have three attempts, it is not easy. I am really proud. The last few weeks have been a struggle emotionally.

‘I said to my family and coach beforehand, if I walk away with a 62m throw, I have done very well. 61.81m, you are basically there.’

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Tags: Laura Muir, Nick Percy, Olympics, Paris 2024