DAY 6 EVENING SESSION: FAY AND ENGLISH BOW OUT

Brian Fay (Raheny Shamrock AC) and Mark English (Finn Valley AC) have bowed out of the World Athletics Championships in Budapest this evening (Aug 24th).

Fay went in the first round of a stacked men’s 5,000m, finishing in 16th place in a time of 13:42:86.

Speaking to media after the race, the Dubliner, who was with the leading pack until an injection of pace with 600 meters to go, said: “It just didn’t really work out in my favour. I sat in for the first three or four kilometres and then the last kilometre came and I just didn’t have the legs to put myself up there and hold on. It’s disappointing because I’ve proved that I can run fast this season, but I just need to be a little bit more competitive when it comes to the championship races”.

Fay continued: “I’ve loads to take from these championships. It’s a learning curve and it’s great to be a part of such a strong field, but I’d hope to be more competitive on the world stage going forward. That’s the goal, but if you’d told me that I’d run at the world championships and break the Irish 5000m record this season, then I’d have to be happy with that. I was expecting more this week, but I’ll look to use the experience and hit the two championships well next year”.

The Raheny athlete has enjoyed a season to remember, highlighted by breaking Alistair Cragg’s long standing Irish 5,000m record with a stunning in 13.01.40 earlier this summer.

Mark English signed off his sixth world championships with his second season’s best of the week, clocking 1:45.14 in the semi-final of the 800m which secured the automatic qualifying time for the European Championships in Rome next year. Unfortunately, the 7th place finish was not enough to advance to Saturday’s final but the Donegal athlete will take much from these championships given his injury interrupted season.

Speaking after the race, he said: “I gave everything I could. It’s a good time and a season’s best. My expectations were to make a semi-final given my preparations and I’ve achieved that so when I reflect on this year, I think I’ll be happy.

English continued: “These guys are the world’s best for a reason. That’s the toughest world semi I’ve ever experienced so the competition was tough, but I’m looking forward to next year. Ideally, I’d have had a few races leading into these championships but given the preparation I’ve had, I’m happy with how I performed”.

Morning session report Here.

Day 6 Results Summary

• Brendan Boyce – Men’s 35km Race Walk – Final –2:37:26 SB (24th)
• Brian Fay – Men’s 5000m – Round 1 – 13:42:86 (31st)
• Mark English – Men’s 800m – Semi Final 3 – 1:45.14 (19th)

Day 8 – Saturday August 26th (No Irish athletes competing on day 7)

With a day’s break for Team Ireland on Friday, it will be the women’s 4x400m relay team who next to take to the National Athletics Stadium in Budapest on Saturday evening.

The team of Sharlene Mawdsley, Roisin Harrison, Sophie Becker, Niamh Murray, Kelly McGrory, and Rhasidat Adeleke are sure to be buoyed by the Irish performances this week as they look to round out a hugely positive championships for Ireland.

Team selection will likely to be dictated by the recovery of those who have already had a busy week of championship competition with the lineup set to be announced on Saturday afternoon.

Day 8  – Saturday August 26th

• Women’s 4x400m Relay – Round 1 – 18:55 (19:55)

NOTES

• Championships Timetable & Results: Here