Waterford's Thomas Barr will have his only race of the indoor season this evening at the AIT Grand Prix in Athlone
However, Thomas won't be competing in his favourite event the 400 metres hurdles instead he will be in action in the 400 metres flat.
He will face three-time World and European Champion at the distance Pavel Maslak of the Czech Republic and last year's European Indoor bronze medalist Tony van Diepen of the Netherlands.
The 28-year-old from Waterford is relishing his return to the midlands venue: “There’s just so much atmosphere, so much excitement, behind the race that I find myself in the warm-up area watching what’s going on rather than warming up, and I just can’t wait to get out on the track.
“It increases the amount of nervous energy you have; when I’m getting up on to the track and seeing familiar faces and in the second lap of a 400, when things are starting to come down to the crunch, coming down the home straight and the whole roof is lifting off, you’re just floating over the line. It’s an amazing feeling.
“A few years ago when I won I was on the back foot coming off the final bend and I’ve never ever heard a crowd like it in my life. It’s an experience I’ll never forget.”
Niamh Whelan runs in the 60 metres.
The meeting starts at 6.30 pm.
