Top-10 finishes for Griggs and Tuthill at World Under-20s Championships

Nick Griggs (3000m) and Nicola Tuthill (hammer throw) have secured top 10 finishes on a rain-delayed day 5 at the World Athletics Under-20 Championships in Cali, Colombia.

Double European Under-20 gold medallist Griggs (Mid Ulster AC) finished in ninth place in his first global final in a time of 8.04.42, crossing as the second European home in a stacked men's 3000m final.

It continues a remarkable run of form for the 17-year-old who has broken Irish Under-20 1500m and 3000m indoor records, as well as Irish Under-20 outdoor mile and 3000m records this season.

Speaking after the race he said: If you think you can win every race, it's not going to happen, but I'm delighted I'm here. I'll take away lots of experience and a lot of viable knowledge."

The 3,000m final was won by Ethiopia’s Melkeneh Azize in a time of 7:44.06.

Nicola Tuthill also secured a top 10 finish in the women’s hammer throw final with an eighth-place finish in a hugely disrupted schedule for the Bandon AC athlete.

Tuthill managed the two-hour rain delay between her round two and three throws superbly to secure a best of 60.47m which was less than a meter off a bronze medal.

"It was very iffy if I'd be even back training by now," she said. "I’m not even back training 2 months after breaking and dislocating my elbow at the European Throwing Cup in Portugal back in March"

Gold went to Italy’s Rachele More with a best of 67.21m