BILLINGE athlete Harry Coppell has reached the final stages of the Olympic pole vault event after qualifying from the group stages in Tokyo.

The 25-year-old Wigan Harrier enjoyed first time clearances at 5.30m, 5.50m and 5.65m before failing at 5.75m.

 

He endured an anxious 10 or 15 minutes before the results were declared – with Coppell reaching the final on countback as one of three on 5.65m, joining the 11 who cleared 5.75m.

There was delight from his coach Scott Simpson.

 

World record-holder Mondo Duplantis failed an attempt at 5.50m but then cleared 5.75m.

World champion Sam Kendricks is missing from the event after testing positive for Covid.

The pole vault final on 3 August.

The former Chapel End school pupil is the current British record holder with a height of 5.85m. 

His mum was among those expressing delight in the early hours.