Event: Women’s marathon/ 10,000m
Who is she: The 31-year-old has been representing Ireland in international competitions for over a decade. Starting out as a 3000m steeplechaser, Fionnula McCormack has worked her way up to the furthest Olympic distance of all.
Where’s she from: McCormack is from Wicklow.
Olympic CV: This will be McCormack’s third Olympic Games. She made her debut in Beijing in the 3000m steeplechase before going on to double in the 5000m and 10,000m in London.
Road to Rio: McCormack achieved the qualification standard for both the 10,000m and marathon but is very likely to only compete in the latter with a 13th place finish in the Chicago Marathon in a time of 2:33:15.
When does she start? The women’s marathon takes place at 1pm on Sunday 14 August.
What she says: “I think it’s the same in every sport. People shouldn’t be allowed hop countries whenever they feel like it. It’s a dangerous country to be living in (Turkey), why would you just decide to represent them? I have no idea and I don’t think it should be allowed.
“This whole thing is a complete joke. I’ve said it to people at the top and they have basically just said it’s not something you have a choice in.” (RTÉ TV, 7 July 2016.)
Medal chances? It’s going to be very, very difficult for any of the Irish athletes to medal at this year’s Games. However, a personal best of 2:31:46 is not beyond her at this year’s games.
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