Wright in the mix and 10th in Europe

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Wright in the mix and tenth in Europe

Alex Wright (Leevale) was in the shake-up for much of the men’s 20km race walk before having to settle for a fine 10th place finish in a season’s best of 1:22:18 at the European Athletics Championships in Berlin earlier this morning (August 11th).

Cian McManamon (Wesport) was also in action making his major championship debut and finished a battling 21st in 1:25:43.

Coming up to the hour mark in the race Alex Wright was competing with the best athletes in Europe in what was his finest performance in an Irish singlet.

“I had to play it safe in the end because I had two warnings but I’m happy with my performance and it’s my best championships for Ireland,” said Wright. It was imperative the Leevale athlete finished and he did that by playing it smart. Wright dropped back to 16th at one but came back again strongly for a top ten finish.

It is now a good stepping stone and shows he has the capability of medalling at the next Europeans in two years.

Cian McManamon gave a spirited display and showed he has the capability to mix it at this level. “I gave it everything I had out there and this is only the start for me,” said McManamon afterwards. “There were 20 guys better than me in Europe today but I have a target now to pick up places one by one in the coming years. I was delighted to get to compete in such a big event with a great atmosphere.”

There was a festival atmosphere at Breitscheidplatz with the route lined with people and in the grandstand generating a great buzz for the athletes.

Tomorrow is the last day of action and the morning sees Breege Connolly (North Belfast Harriers), Lizzie Lee (Leevale) and Gladys Ganiel (North Belfast Harriers) in the women’s marathon at 8:05 Irish time.

The men’s team of Kevin Seaward (St Malachy’s), Paul Pollock (Annadale Striders), Mick Clohisey (Raheny Shamrock), Sean Hehir (Rathfarnham) and Sergiu Ciobanu (Clonliffe Harriers) compete in the men’s marathon at 9:00am Irish time.

In the evening session the women’s 4x100m relay team compete in the heats at 18:20 Irish time with a potential final at 20:20.

Ciara Mageean (UCD) goes in the women’s 1500m final at 19:00.   

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