There were 2 World Records set today in the Irish National Athletics Championships at Morton Park, Santry. Gillian O'Sullivan broke the world record in the 5k walk on the track with a time of 20 mins, 2.6secs. Robert Heffernan broke his own National record in the mens' 10k walk, winning in a time of 38 mins 47.66 secs.
Meanwhile, Terry McHugh won his 19th consecutive National Title, a feat no other athlete has achieved, with a throw of 71.56m. Sonia O'Sullivan, aiming next month to repeat her European Championships 5,000m and 10,000 metres double, has decided to race over 800m at the National Championships tomorrow. There was speculation O'Sullivan might attempt to achieve the 5,000m qualifying standard of 15 minutes 20 seconds for the championships beginning in Munich on August 6, but the Cobh woman today said: 'I entered the 800, 1,500 and 5,000 for this weekend's championships, but I plan sharpening my speedwork by doing only the 800m.' Eamonn Condon www.RunnersGoal.com
