Mark Smyth’s ever high reaching 2017 saw him reach new heights at the European under 20 Championships last weekend.
Smyth had opened his campaign on Friday afternoon finishing fourth in heat one posting 21.63 seconds and automatically qualifying for the semi-final.
Saturday July 22 will be a day which will live long in the Smyth household and in the history books of Raheny Shamrock Athletic Club.
Just after 3:15pm Irish time Smyth blasted around the track to take second place, automatic qualification to a European Final a new personal best and a club record.
21.46 seconds was Smyth’s time, point 11 seconds off the record he shared with Kieran Finn. Spaniard Pol Retamal winning out in 21.27 seconds.
Around two and a half hours later Smyth would race again this time finishing the European under 20 final in sixth place in another personal best and lowering the club’s 200 metre record to 21.36 seconds.
European under 20 gold went to Great Britain’s Toby Harriers in 20.81, silver to country man Jona Efoloko in 20.92 and bronze to Finland’s Samuel Purola in 21.00 seconds.
A phenomenal achievement by Mark Smyth results that added to a buyout Raheny Shamrock crowd in Santry and around Dublin.
Mark Smyth 'can't complain' with 6th in the Euro U20 200 final in a new pb of 21.36 #grosseto2017 pic.twitter.com/I3wASKOBox
— Athletics Ireland (@irishathletics) July 22, 2017
Smyth raced for the fourth time of the weekend on Sunday as part of the Irish men’s 4×100 metre relay team as they finished seventh in heat one in 40.89 seconds.
An amazing achievement from Mark Smyth after a brilliant season on the track. Lets hope he enjoys life out of school!
