The National Hurdles Squad was held in U.L. on Sunday October 21st.

The day started with an introduction by Hayley Harrison which outlined the plan for the day as well as information on (expected) qualifying standards & deadlines and the ISC anti-doping programme. The 39 athletes (20 sprint hurdlers and 19 ‘long’ hurdlers) stayed together for the morning session where a general warm up and hurdle drills took place.

After a light lunch, the 2 groups split up and the sprint hurdlers (led by Shane McCormack) worked on technique and approach to the 1st hurdle. The long hurdles group (led by Hayley Harrison) worked on ’sighting’ of the hurdles (both left & right leg lead) & ‘hurdling when tired’.

Both groups showed great improvement from the beginning of the session to the end and it was good to see a number of the coaches of the athletes stay around and be part of the session especially as many of these had attended the coaches workshops in May & September. Well done everyone!

The next squad day (which was planned for December 16th in Santry) has had to be changed. When a date and venue has been confirmed, it will be published on the AAI website and Facebook pages & via the group Facebook page.