
Guernsey's 400-metre hurdler Alastair Chalmers finished third in his qualifying round in Paris this morning (5 August).
The 24-year-old Guernsey man finished in a time of 48.98 seconds - throwing himself over the finish line.
Speaking to the BBC, Chalmers gave Guernsey a shoutout.
"I was born for moments like this.
80,000 people in here - so many GB flags, so many Guernsey flags, so be representing the whole team - it is an absolute honour and privilege to be here.
To have my 'home' people come out is a dream in itself. I love the people of Guernsey - I am repping them underneath the GB flag.
The team is amazing, we are so strong this year, and I am looking forward to getting back out and repping them."
Chalmers will next compete in the semi finals on Wednesday (7 August).
He is the first Guernsey person to qualify for Great Britain's athletics team for an Olympic Games since Lee Merrien in London 2012.
Fans and organisations have taken to social media to congratulate Chalmers.
What a great lad Alastair Chalmers is - he's done Team GB proud and he's going to continue to do so. Represent!!
— Clare (@cumbersketching) August 5, 2024
Alastair Chalmers launches himself across the line 🇬🇧
— AW (@AthleticsWeekly) August 5, 2024
The Brit qualifies for the 400m hurdles semi-final after a close finish for third place, clocking 48.98 🔥
Jamaica's Malik James-King took the lead whilst both Ismail Doudai Abakar and Ming-Yang Peng unfortunately did not… pic.twitter.com/ArUX2Tv9FT
Electric⚡️
— Vinco (@VincoSport) August 5, 2024
A courageous run from Alastair Chalmers sees him secure a automatic Q to the 400 meter hurdle semi-finals (48.98s)🔥
📸 Kirby Lee for @usatodaysports #Paris2024 pic.twitter.com/ZwgIFpKLDE
From Guernsey to the world 🌍
— British Athletics (@BritAthletics) August 5, 2024
A dip at the line sends @GsyAla to the semi-finals of the 400m hurdles with a big Q 🔥
He clocked 48.98 👏#WhereItStarts | #Athletics | #Paris2024 pic.twitter.com/T2Cy2ixy58