Waterford Olympian Thomas Barr announces retirement
Thomas Barr of Ireland celebrates after winning the Mixed 4x400m Relay final during day one of the 2024 European Athletics Championships at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, Italy. Photo by Sam Barnes/Sportsfile
Irish International 400m hurdle, three-time Olympian and European medallist, Thomas Barr, has announced his retirement from competitive athletics.
The Waterford native, who is widely regarded as one of the finest sprinters Ireland has ever produced, announced his retirement on Wednesday, January 29.
He achieved a historic bronze medal at the 2018 European Athletics Championships and thus became the first Irish male sprinter to win an outdoor European medal, in the 84-year history of the event.
In 2016, Barr captivated the nation with his remarkable performance in the 400-meter hurdles Olympic final, finishing fourth in a blistering 47.97 seconds, setting a new Irish record that still stands today. He was also the University World Champion in 2015 and holds multiple Irish records in the 400m hurdles, including Senior, U23, and U20 categories. Throughout his stellar career he has won 12 national titles in the 400m hurdles.
Last year, his final year competing as an international athlete, he enjoyed groundbreaking success as part of the mixed 4x400m relay team who became European Champions in Rome in addition to securing a bronze medal at the World Relay Championships.
Reflecting on his career in athletics, Barr expressed gratitude to the people who helped and supported him along the way.
"I am grateful to all the people who have been part of my journey, especially my parents, for their support and my coaches, Drew and Hayley, who were central to my athletics performances," he said.
"I have loved the sport from the day I joined Ferrybank AC as a young boy," he added.
"I have cherished every moment, from winning national championships to breaking Irish records and representing my country on the European and World stage."
Recalling some of his personal highlights he said: "I will never forget finishing fourth in the Rio Olympic Games and winning bronze at the European Championships in the 400m Hurdles."
He also said his final year, in 2024, also brought some memorable moments from him personally.
"My final year gave me some magical moments; being on the mixed relay team that won a World medal and secured victory at the European Championships was incredible," he said.
"I am grateful to Athletics Ireland and the team management for their support throughout my career. A big thank to you to the athletics community and the public who have cheered me on in both the good and bad times," he added.
He went on to comment: "As I close this chapter, I look forward to what the future holds and hope to stay connected to the sport that has shaped my life.”
President of Athletics Ireland, John Cronin, commented: “I would like to wish Thomas all the best in his retirement on what has been a remarkable athletics career. He has been a credit to himself, his family, his club, coaches, and support team both on and off the track since breaking onto the scene all those years ago. His legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations of Irish athletes.”
Some of Thomas Barr's career highights have included: Gwangju World University Games 2015 – 400m Hurdles - Gold; Rio Olympics 2016 – 400m Hurdles - 4th – 47.97NR; Berlin European Athletics Championships 2018 - 400m Hurdles - Bronze; Tokyo Olympics 2020 – 400m Hurdles - 9th; Nassau World Athletics Relays 2024 – Mixed 4x400m Relay – Bronze; Rome European Athletics Championships 2024 – Mixed 4x400m Relay – Gold – 3:09.92NR; Paris Olympics 2024 – Mixed 4x400m Relay – 10th.
