Thomas Barr ran the race of his life in the early hours of Wednesday morning, to book his place in the 400-metres hurdles finals of the Olympic Games. 

Barr, who has been plagued by injuries all season, ran a personal best of 48.39 seconds, to win the third semi-final in Rio's Olympic Stadium. The Waterford native qualified third-fastest of the eight finalists. 

The 24-year-old stormed down the home straight ahead of the field after entering the final 100-metres in fourth place.

Barr's sister Jessie, competed in London four years ago. She expects her younger brother to win a medal in Thursday afternoon's final.

He's going to win a medal, mark my words

— Jessie Barr (@JessieBarr247) August 17, 2016