Osaka Diary Number 8.

Joanne Cuddihy ran the race of her life in the semi-finals of the 400-m returning a new Irish record of 50.73 and just missing out on a place in the final.

Later there was another great night for the Irish as Roisin Mc Gettigan placed 10th and Fionnuala Britton 12th in the steeplechase final.

We are seeeing an outstanding championships for this young team and all augurs well for the Olympic Games in Beijing next year. Tomorrow it's the turn of David Gillick in the 400-m, Paul Hession in the 200-m, and Eileen O Keefe in the hammer.

Each will be chasing qualification for the next phase.

Earlier in the day Derval O Rourke came through round one of the hurdles while Michelle Carey bowed out of the 400m hurdles; Derval is in the semis tomorrow night and will need to do an Irish record to progress.

It was a busy day really. At the track early, back to village to eat, then the evening session.

David Campbell in a bit of bother with a tummy bug; we had him in hospital for tests late last night and he is back in the hotel today isolated from his room mate Alastair Cragg just in case. He is due to run Thursday evening.

John Treacy, CEO of the Sports Council will visit the athletes and management at lunchtime tomorrow; no doubt they are delighted how well things are moving along so positively here.

Some people stayed up late last night to listen to Kerry-Dublin match, though not myself; I hit the bed early to be sharp in the morning. Tomorrow is a key day and the best possible outcome Eileen to make final she needs 71m to be sure. David and Paul to qualify for semis. Hope RTE are being positive .

Patsy Mc Gonagle Senior Olympic team manager Athletics Ireland 00818056784117 from Osaka.