Team Ireland's Thomas Barr has put in an outstanding performance to reach the final of the 400 metre hurdles in Rio.

The Waterford athlete won his semi-final heat in a time of 48.39.

His start appeared composed but he really came to life in the second half of the race, leading his seven heat competitors to the finish line, improving his own Irish record in the process.

With the top two from each heat going into the final, Barr didn't even need to pay heed to the fastest losers portion of the three heats, booking his place automatically.