PB for Manning on Day Three of the World Junior Champs

A personal best for Cliodhna Manning was the highlight for the Irish on day three of the World Junior Championships in Oregon, but unfortunately none of the four Irish competitors advanced from their heats of the 200m.

Manning (Kilkenny City Harriers) placed fourth in her 200m heat in 24.15 seconds, which was not fast enough to advance to the semi-finals, but she was relatively pleased with her performance at what was her first major championship. “I’m happy enough,” she said. “I really can’t complain too much. I came off the bend strong, and was happy with how I ran the race. It’s been an amazing experience.”

Niamh McNicol (Ferrybank) was the other Irish competitor in the women’s 200 and she was disappointed with her run – eliminated after finishing sixth in 25.38 seconds.  However, McNicol, still just 17, will be underage for this competition in two years’ time.

Men's 200m

In the men’s 200m heats, Marcus Lawler (St. Laurence O’Toole) finished fourth in 21.58 seconds, which was unfortunately not quick enough for a fastest losers’ spot in the semi-finals. Afterwards, Lawler was making no excuses for his performance.

“I’m very disappointed,” he said. “I had aspirations of reaching the final. I don’t know what went wrong. There’s no excuse. I was going alright coming off the bend, but the last 20 or 30 metres wasn’t great.”

Zak Irwin finished fourth in his 200m heat, the Sligo athlete’s time of 21.78 seconds also not fast enough to advance. “I was disappointed at first, but I’m going to take the positives out of it,” he said. “I just tightened up big time in the last 10 or 15 metres. I could be in the semi-final if I didn’t. I’m looking forward to starting training again for next year and getting stronger. I’m going to try to get a couple of more races in, and take the positives out of it.”