PITREAVIE AAC star Eilidh Doyle comfortably reached the semi-finals of the women's 400 metre hurdles at the Rio Olympics earlier this morning.

The 29-year-old, a two-time Commonwealth Games silver medallist, eased through her heat in a time of 55.46 after a strong performance.

Doyle featured in the sixth and final qualification race of the event and, running from lane six, built up a comfortable lead over the opening 300m that allowed her to coast home ahead of second placed Canadian Sage Watson (55.93).

Afterwards she commented: "I'm relieved to have got through that round safely and can go back and just relax and prepare for tomorrow. It’s nice to get things out of the way. It’s difficult because you are trying to conserve as much energy as possible but also get your strides in."

The three semi-finals of the event are scheduled to begin at 1.10am on Wednesday. Doyle will run in the second race, due to start at 1.17am.