Athletics:Paul Hession failed to reach the final of the men's 200 metres after finishing fifth in the first semi-final at the Bird's Nest Stadium in Beijing today.
Hession never got to grips with the fast start and by the time the Athenry sprinter made the turn onto the final straight he was struggling to keep in touch with the leaders.
The 25-year-old pushed all the way to the line but his time of 20.38 seconds was only good enough for fifth. The time was outside Hession's personal best of 20.30 and also slower than his season's best of 20.32.
Churandy Martina from the Netherlands Antilles won in a time of 20.11 with Zimbabwe's Brian Dzingai, who was on Hession's shoulder, came home in second (20.17). American pre-race favourite Walter Dix, who flanked Hession on his inside lane, claimed third (20.19) with Britain's Christian Malcolm (20.25) taking the fourth qualifying spot.
Hession can take pride from his run for he became the first Irish men's sprinter to reach an Olympic semi-final.
"I did not qualify, but I do not need to be despondent," said Hession after the race. "I set out to enjoy this Olympic experience and I have learned a whole lot. This was a big step-up for me - a whole new experience to learn from."
"I felt that it would come down to a battle for the fourth qualifying place between Christian Malcolm, Christopher Williams and myself. As it happened, Christian Malcolm ran really well and as I see it, I am at the moment just a metre short of fully matching it with the very top athletes in this event."
Jamaica's Usain Bolt won the second semi-final with the same typical ease he won the 100 metres title over the weekend.
Bolt was challenged all the way by American Shawn Crawford (20.12) but looked to have plenty in reserve for Thursday's final as he won in 20.09 seconds.
American Spearman Wallace finished third (20.14) while Kim Collins from St Kitts and Nevis claimed fourth (20.25).
Bolt is attempting to become the first man since Carl Lewis in 1984 to win the 100m and 200m double, and could well do so with two world records with Michael Johnson's 12-year-old record of 19.32 under serious threat.
Men's 200 metres semi-finals results
Heat 1:
1 Churandy Martina (Aho) 20.11 (Q)
2 Brian Dzingai (Zim) 20.17 (Q),
3 Walter Dix (USA) 20.19 (Q)
4 Christian Malcolm (Gbr) 20.25 (Q)
5 Paul Hession (Irl) 20.38
6 Christopher Williams (Jam) 20.45
7 Jared Connaughton (Can) 20.58
8 Kristof Beyens (Bel) 20.69
Heat 2:
1 Usain Bolt (Jam) 20.09 (Q)
2 Shawn Crawford (USA) 20.12 (Q)
3 Wallace Spearmon (USA) 20.14 (Q)
4 Kim Collins (SKN) 20.25 (Q)
5 Brendan Christian (Ant) 20.29
6 Stephan Buckland (Mri) 20.48
7 Marlon Devonish (Gbr) 20.57
Jaysuma Saidy Ndure (Nor) DNS
(Q): Qualified for final