McGettigan impresses in Stuttgart

McGettigan was a finalist at this year's World Championships

Roisin McGettigan continued the best season of her career by taking a superb second in the 3000m steeplechase at the World Athletics final in Stuttgart.

The Irish record holder clocked 9:35.86 which left her just 0.083sec behind Kenyan star Eunice Jepkorir.

"That's got to be my best performance ever by a long way at this level of competition, and I've got to tell you it feels great," said McGettigan.

"I always felt comfortable and to run so well and grab second is just great."

McGettigan finished just ahead of former world record holder Cristina Casandra of Romania who took third in 9min 36.38secs.

The Irishwoman was content to sit in the pack until a sprint took place over the final lap which intensified between the leading three contenders down the home straight.

Jepkorir sealed her victory in the final 20m and just as it looked as though Romania's Casandra would follow her home, McGettigan found extra reserves.

The 27-year-old World Championship finalist used her new lease of life to edge ahead of the former world record holder and snatch the $20,000 runner-up purse.

The former Providence University USA student, added: "I've set myself goals all year and making the final in Osaka was one from which I learned a great deal."