RTE Sport website Irish athletes James Nolan and Ailis McSweeney will carry the nation’s hopes at this weekend’s IAAF World Indoor Championships in Valencia. With many of Ireland’s top athletes focused on competing at this year’s Olympic Games in August, the Irish team for this weekend consists simply of Nolan and McSweeney. Derval O’Rourke, had been expected to defend her 60m Hurdles title but had opted, like many others, to concentrate on her outdoor training.
This gave the opportunity for Athletics Ireland to send McSweeney, a good friend and club-mate of O’Rourke’s, to the World Championships to run in the 60m. It is a chance the 24-year-old took with both hands. ‘I was delighted to get the chance to go to Valencia. It is funny that it was because of Derval I have gotten to go as she is a good friend of mine.’
The Leevale athlete had a couple of disappointing years following her excellent display at the World University Games in 2005, where she took home a silver and a bronze medal. This year has seen a return to indoor form for McSweeney with a new coaching team of Sean Cahill and Terri Horgan in place. Her last major appearance for Ireland was in Moscow two years ago where she made the semi-final.
‘Training has been going really well and I am very excited about getting out there. This will be my first major championships since the last Indoors in 2006 so it has been a while. My main aim would be to give a good account of myself and hopefully make the semi-finals and a national record would be nice too!’ McSweeney said ahead of flying out to Valencia.
Ireland’s second representative is one of the countries most experienced athletes. James Nolan, who will run in the 1500m, has experienced two Olympics and has competed in every European and World Indoor Championship since 2002. The Tullamore man was placed 6th in the 2006 final but doesn’t want to set any goals this time around.
‘My preparation has been going well and when I ran two weeks ago in Stockholm I took a second off my fastest time for the 1000m so I feel in good shape. I’m very motivated to do well out here but I don’t want to put down any targets. I just want to get out there on Friday evening and concentrate on doing well and running to my ability. After all, anything can happen and I have seen World Champions go out in the first round,’ Nolan said today.
The 12th IAAF World Indoor Championships take place in Valencia and begin on Friday.
Times:
Friday 7 March
Women’s 60m Heats – 12:00 (11:00 Irish time)
Women’s 60m Semi-Finals – 17:10 (16:10 Irish time)
Men’s 1500m Heats – 20:00 (19:00 Irish time)
Women’s 60m Final – 20:25 (19:25 Irish time)
