IRELAND’S BRENDAN BOYCE produced a stunning performance to finish sixth in the 50km race walk at the World Championship in Doha.
The Donegal native clocked an impressive 4:07:46 to complete the race in the early hours of Sunday morning which was won by Japan’s Yusuke Suzuki in a time of 4:04:20.
Boyce, who is coached by Irish race-walking legend Rob Heffernan, overcame the searing heat to move strongly over the final 10km and seal a memorable performance with a moonwalk over the line.
The moonwalk after and a sensational sixth place for @brendanboyce #worldathleticschamps pic.twitter.com/1ckUPBEYQy
— Athletics Ireland (@irishathletics) September 29, 2019
“It means a lot and I want to thank everyone who’s helped me this year,” said an emotional Boyce after the race.
“I was in eight or ninth place after 40km and I thought about picking people off then. The race plan was perfect, Rob helped me out and made sure I was fully confident.
But wait, there's more
— Athletics Ireland (@irishathletics) September 29, 2019
The sequel: pic.twitter.com/dclJgXrUG8
“It didn’t matter what the conditions were, I was going to be top six or top eight.
I just love 50km,” he laughs. “Being Irish, we just love misery so 50km is perfect for me. Being out there and miserable for four hours – misery is happiness for me.
“Bring on Tokyo, I wanna win that medal.”
His coach Rob Heffernan added: “having watched the women’s marathon the night before we prepared to not have any excuses and I’m delighted it worked out for him.”
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