Israel Olatunde captured the attention of the Irish sporting world on Tuesday with his sensational run to sixth place in the European 100m final, setting a national record in the process.
Olatunde - still only 20 years old - ran the race of his life in the semi-final to reach the prestige showpiece event, before going one better with a spectacular 10.17 in the final.
He spoke to David Gillick for RTÉ after the race in what was a truly heartwarming interview.
Israel Olatunde shares heartfelt moment with David Gillick
Earlier this year, Israel Olatunde spoke to David Gillick for Balls.ie about his hopes for the future, in a brilliant interview.
Olatunde spoke again to David Gillick for RTÉ in the aftermath of his race, and was once again brilliantly eloquent in explaining his emotional reaction to the result.
'It's amazing to be here in a European final... I'm just so grateful to be here' - European finalist and new Irish record holder Israel Olatunde speaks to @DavidGillick after his stunning performance in Munich #rtesport #Munich2022 pic.twitter.com/6PxzriAKCE
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) August 16, 2022
I can't even [sum it up] to be honest, to be there in a European final with sixth and to get a national record - I just can't believe it, honestly. This whole season has just been a blessing.
I'm just so grateful to be here - thank you to my coach, my training partner, my family, my community - everyone who's been supporting me and showing so much love. It's just pushed me on to get to this point, I'm really so grateful.
It's been a long journey to get here - I know I'm still young, I know I've got a long way to go, but I'm just grateful for the journey I've been on to get to this point. I know this isn't going to be the end.
Just to be in contention with all these great guys...these are the fastest guys in Europe and I'm up there with them. It's just a blessing, I'm so happy to be here. I know I can definitely improve, so I'm looking forward to that.
I didn't [realise he had run a national record] because I saw [Marcell] Jacobs running away from me a bit, but I have to remember I'm racing against the fastest guys in the world and in Europe. He's Olympic champion so I'm just grateful to be here starting with him. I had no idea I ran that fast, it was kind of a blur. I didn't really know what was going on.
Just so happy. I just can't believe I'm here, to be honest.
Footage emerged shortly after the race of a beautiful moment shared by Gillick - himself a legend of Irish track athletics - and Olatunde ahead of their RTÉ interview.
An emotional Olatunde was embraced by the great Irish sprinter Gillick, as the weight of his achievement swept over him.
Emotional scenes between @DavidGillick & @IsraelOlatunde5. What an achievement for Israel, 6th @EuroAthletics 100m final & a new Irish record of 10.17! pic.twitter.com/0ZLpIWDFy7
— Michael Neville (@mickneville5) August 16, 2022
The affection between them was palpable, and it was a truly wonderful moment.
READ HERE: Rhasidat Adeleke Powers Into European 400m Final
Gillick took to Twitter after the race to further praise young Olatunde.
What a night of athletics @ECMunich2022 & Ireland had a role to play! Incredible running from @IsraelOlatunde5, 3 of his fastest 100m’s when it mattered most! To make the final is one thing, but to go again & be competitive finishing 6th in NR of 10.17, epic, & only 20 years old!
— David Gillick (@DavidGillick) August 16, 2022
The world is Israel Olatunde's oyster - so, in the words of David Gillick, what's next?
What's next? First up is the relay, the 4x100 relay, I'm really excited for that. It's important to have a men's 4x100 at the championship, all the guys are really excited for that, that's on Friday morning. Hopefully everyone can tune in and give us some support!
I don't know what's next after that, to be honest. I'm just gonna look back at the season with my coach and see what we can improve on next year. Next year is gonna be another big season, there's European Indoor Championships, World Indoor Championships, European U23 championships, I'm looking forward to all of these and hoping I can put in even better performances.
We certainly can't wait to see what's next. A star was born in Munich on Tuesday.
SEE ALSO: Every Irish Medallist At The European Athletics Championships
