O’CONNOR AND MCCANN SEAL TOP TENS AT EUROPEAN INDOOR CHAMPIONSHIPS
Kate O’Connor (Pentathlon) and Luke McCann (1500m) have secured top ten placings in their respective finals at the European Indoor Championships in Istanbul this evening (March 3rd).
O’Connor (Dundalk St Gerards) claimed 9th place in the pentathlon, missing out on breaking her own national record by just 43 points in another excellent multi-event display.
O’Connor impressed during today’s morning session and maintained her momentum with a 5.91m in the long jump this afternoon which was just marginally off her personal best.
The Dundalk athlete would sign off her championships with a 2:20.08 in the 800m which would see her finish on a total of 4353 points. It signs off another superb series of performances for the 22-year-old at a major championship which augurs well for the upcoming outdoor season.
The podium places went the way of Nafissatou Thiam (BEL) 5055 WR, Adrianna Sulek (POL) 5014 NR, and Noor Vidts (BEL) 4823 SB.
Luke McCann (UCD AC) went in a stacked 1500m final earlier in the schedule, finishing in 10th place in a time of 3:44.55. McCann can have no regrets, going with the pace from the gun before the leading quartet made a break on the field with 1200m to go.
McCann led the chasing pack in pursuit but the effort took its toll coming into the final 200m, seeing the UCD athlete slip back several positions. The medals went the way Norway’s Jakob Ingebrigtsen (Gold) 3:33.95 CR, Neil Gourley (Silver) 3:34.23 of GB, and Azeddine Habz (Bronze) 3:35.39 of France.
Sharlene Mawdsley (Newport AC) faced a tough task in the semi-final of the 400m in this afternoon’s session, taking her place in the second of the semi-finals alongside gold medal favourite Femke Bol. Mawdsley was unlucky to have her stride checked-up at the bell which saw her slip to the rear of the pack. The Tipperary star fought hard to regain momentum over the final 200m but ultimately she would have to settle for 6th in 53.37 which was not enough to progress to tomorrow’s final but did ensure another European top 10 finish for Ireland.
Full results HERE
Saturday March 4th
Ireland’s fastest man Israel Olatunde returns to European competition on the back of breaking the Irish national 60m record two weeks previous (6.57). The Munich 2022 finalist is sure to have sights on making another international final, but he too will face a tricky set of heats early on Saturday morning (6.27am). Should Olatunde safely negotiate round 1, we can expect to see the UCD sprinter back on track for the semi-final at 3.45pm on Saturday.
- European Athletics 60m Preview HERE
Olatunde’s UCD teammate Darragh McElhinney will go in the first round of the 3000m on Saturday morning. McElhinney looked very impressive in taking the national 3000m title recently and will likely need all of that blistering final kick if looking to improve on his personal best of 7.45.79 set earlier this month.
- European Athletics 3000m Preview HERE
World Indoor finalist Sarah Lavin will take to the starting blocks for the first round of the 60m hurdles on Saturday morning (7.35am). Lavin has looked ultra-consistent this season which augurs well for the Emerald AC star progressing from the early rounds.
The recent national 60mH champion has threatened the 8 second barrier on several occasions this season, finally smashing the mark with a PB of 7.95 in Madrid last week which would have her right in the mix to make Sunday’s final.
- European Athletics 60mH Preview HERE
Irish Athlete Schedule: Saturday March 4th (times listed in Irish time):
|
Israel Olatunde |
UCD AC |
60m Round 1 |
Sat 6.27am |
|
Darragh McElhinney |
UCD AC |
3000m Round 1 |
Sat 7.13am |
|
Sarah Lavin |
Emerald AC |
60mH Round 1 |
Sat 7.59am |
|
Men’s |
|
60m Semi Final |
Sat 3.45pm |
|
Men’s |
|
60m Final |
Sat 5.55pm |
More Information: