Updated at 14.27
IRELAND’S ROB HEFFERNAN has finished fifth in the 50km race walk at the IAAF World Championships in Beijing today.
Heffernan earned a time of 3:44:17 as he attempted to defend his world title and said he was ultimately satisfied with his display.
“For me to finish fifth after the problems I’ve had this year, it shows my resolve,” the Cork native said afterwards referring to his injury problems. “If I’m healthy and not injured, I can always grind out a good result. In relevant terms, this is a medal for me.
“At 40k I thought this was possible, then even with 3K to go the Japanese were still in my sights, but my legs started cramping up, my quads and my arms and I thought, ‘I have to finish here.’ Fifth in the world is still very, very solid going into the Olympics.”
Slovakia’s Matej Toth claimed gold in 3:40:32, while Australia’s Jared Tallent was runner-up (3:42:17), with Takayuki Tanii of Japan third (3:42:55) and compatriot Hirooki Arai fourth (3:43:44).
There was disappointment for other Irish athletes competing, however, as Brendan Boyce (Letterkenny) was disqualified and Alex Wright (Leevale) was unable to finish.
Meanwhile, the Irish men’s 4x400m relay team have set a new national record.
Brian Gregan (Clonliffe Harriers), Brian Murphy (Crusaders), Thomas Barr (Ferrybank) and Mark English (UCD) finished with a time of 3:01.26 coming eighth in the second heat and 13th overall.
USA triumphed in 2:58.13 while Trinidad and Tobago finished second in 2:58.67 and Jamaica were third in 2:58.69.
Speaking after the race, English said: “We were up against one of the toughest 4×400 competitions the world has ever seen, there were four guys running 44 seconds in the 400m final so I think we’re all happy we got a national record and it’s something we can work off for next year.”
