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Osaka Diary Number 6.
The 11th IAAF World Track and Field Championships began on a really positive note for
the Irish with steeplechase athletes Roisin Mc Gettigan and Fionnuala
Britton both from Wicklow claiming spots in Monday's final. This is a
remarkable return from both as Roisin returned 9-39-41 in heat one to claim an
automatic spot while Fionnuala came through as one of three
fastest losers in heat three her time 9-42-38.
Next in action is Rob Heffernan, Cork, in tomorrow's 20k walk which
starts midnight Irish time.
Interesting behind the scenes: Roisin was up and out for a jog at 6 am,
breakfast and ready to catch a 7-30 am bus to the warm-up track, calm
and in control despite not having done well at any previous major
championships. Fionnuala was on the 07:45 bus; she missed a few weeks of
training due to
injury in May and came along to the European Cup to do her bit for the team
and ran the 5000-m on that occasion.
Different athletes different approaches
from the same club in Wicklow but both ready to give it everything .
Fionnuala scribbled the Irish saying Ar nos na Gaoithe on the wall
beside our physio bench which translates as (run) like the wind. Both
did and yes both in the World Championships final.
A Kenyan won the marathon; all
times were down about 10 minutes due to heat and when I saw them carry an
African on a stretcher afterwards I felt heavens it's not just us
Europeans that are being affected.
One little aside was when I came out of the tube heading to the track
earlier I spied Roisin's mother and father sitting on a seat nervous but
delighted to see someone from home. The Mc Gettigans are originally
from Letterkenny.
Next it's the dreaded opening ceremony. I'm not letting any athletes get
involved so it's myself and a few coaches to get the flag round. I will
be back to you tomorrow same time same place if this feckin heat does
not get me.
Well done to the Finn Valley lads led by Kevin, 1 2 3 in the
Brockagh Four Miles, the home of the legendary Neil Martin.
Patsy Mc Gonagle from Osaka.
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