UPDATE: Wirral Olympic athlete Andy Baddeley through to Beijing final

Aug 16 2008 By Laura Jones

Andy Baddeley

Upton athlete Andy Baddeley has qualified for the finals of the 1,500m event in Beijing.

The 26-year-old former Calday Grange Grammar School pupil came through a strong group to qualify for the final, where he could end a 20 year medal drought for Britain's 1,500m runners if he makes it onto the podium.

Wirral supporters will be tuning in nervously on Tuesday afternoon (August 19) to cheer the middle distance runner on as he goes for gold.

Finishing third in his group with a qualifying time of 3:37.47 Baddeley once again sailed comfortably through to the next round.

Speaking after the race he said: "That heat was stacked. You name anybody who'd be in the shout for a medal and they were there.

"That was my final. And now I'm there. This is what it's all about - Great Britain and an Olympic final."