RTE NEWS The Irish team of seven racewalkers had an outstanding weekend at the 23rd World Cup of Racewalking held in Cheboksary, Russia. Olive Loughnane of Loughrea AC took an excellent sixth position with a personal best time of 1:29.17 in the 20K Walk behind Russian winner Olga Kaniskina whose time of 1:25.42 was a championship record.
Colin Griffin of Ballinamore AC achieved the Olympic A Standard for the second time, taking 25th in the 50K Walk in 3:58.26.
The event was won by Russian Denis Nizhegorodov in a world record time of 3:34.14.
On Saturday, Robbie Heffernan of Togher AC set a new Irish record of 1:19.22 taking ninth in the 20K, behind winner Francisco Fernandez of Spain, whose time of 1:18.15 was a championship record.
Jamie Costin of West Waterford – who will join Colin Griffin in the 50K at the Beijing Olympic Games – finished 59th in a season’s best of 1:25.59.
In the Womens’ Junior 10K walk on Saturday, Laura Reynolds of Mohill AC was 35th in a personal best time of 51.36 with Donna Carolan of Inbhir De AC 46th in a personal best time of 54.05.
The two Junior girls also constituted a team which finished in 16th position.
Also on Saturday Paul Fitzpatrick of Shercock AC had a season’s best of 46.11 taking 41st place in the Junior mens’ 10K walk.
