IRISH OLYMPIAN FIONNUALA Britton is in Budapest this morning to defend her European Cross country crown in freezing conditions.
The Kilcoole native took gold in last year’s meet in Slovenia, taking the lead midway through the race to finish seven seconds clear of Portugal’s dulce Felix.
She was only the second Irish athlete to claim the title after Catherina McKiernan and Britton will be hoping to surpass the Cavan trailblazer today.
The 28-year-old has hit a good run of form since a disappointing showing at the London Olympics and is the primary threat from a 30-strong team sent over by Athletics Ireland. However, in the 19-year history of this championship no woman has ever managed to retain the title.
“We have teams competing across the board and there is an opportunity in the women’s team event, if all our girls run to form, we won’t be that far away from a medal.” Said team manager Teresa McDaid.
“The event also offers many of our junior athletes the opportunity to make their mark and gain invaluable experience at this level.”
Joe Sweeney leads the men’s team in the hope of improving upon his fifth-pace finish last December. While American-based trio David Rooney, Breandan O’Neill and Sarah Collins also make the trip.
Britton stands alone, though, as a realistic medal hope and will be disappointed with anything less. As a marked woman, retaining the title may be just beyond here, but she won’t be far off the pace.
