'I had goosebumps watching' - Thomas Barr on inspirational effect Israel Olatunde had on him

Thomas Barr paid Israel Olatunde a lovely compliment while speaking to RTE after he'd progressed through to the 400m hurdles semi-finals.

The 30-year-old was clearly buzzing for the Dundalk sprinter who set a new Irish record on Tuesday night in the 100m final.

Barr said: "Y'know what, it was bittersweet because I needed to be going to sleep at about half 10 but I was wired.

READ MORE: Thomas Barr through to 400m hurdles semi-finals after winning European Athletics Championships heat

"To see an Irish vest - an Irish man - in the final...and not only in the final but breaking the Irish record in a European Championships is absolutely unbelievable and something to be so, so proud of.

"And it's great to see (Irish) sprinters doing that. Traditionally we might not have been a nation of sprinters but it's great to see that really coming alive.

"I even saw Paul Hession's tweet this morning to Israel which is just a touch of class.

The previous record holder congratulated Israel on the feat (Twitter)

"I haven't met Israel since the race but I can imagine he's smiling ear to ear like he was last night.

"Yeah, absolutely buzzing for him and it gave me such a lift coming into today.

"It's amazing to see that younger generation coming through and still, I'm taking inspiration from what they're doing and excitement from what they're doing.

"I had goosebumps watching the semi-final and yeah, going to bed so it's really great to see."

It's not just Olatunde impressing at these Championships either as Rhasidat Adeleke continues to emerge as a budding superstar.

In a year where she's set national records over 60m, 200m, 300m, and 400m as well as placed 9th in a world final, she's further shown her immense potential in Munich by reaching the 400m decider.

That's due to take place at 9.02 pm on Wednesday and will be live on RTE Two.

Meanwhile Olatunde will next be competing on Friday morning as part of the men's 4x100 relay.

READ NEXT:

• Israel Olatunde's brilliant interview after breaking Irish 100m record has fans all saying the same thing

• League of Ireland striker receives death threats after match as disgusting messages threaten to 'slit throat'

• Cristiano Ronaldo says truth will come out in tell-all interview amid Man Utd U-turn

• Tiger Woods arrives for showdown PGA players meeting after playing key role in LIV fight

• TV pundits left asking questions after Rangers draw to PSV

Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts