Heffernan crowns great career with top 8 in London

Excellent eighth for Heffernan

Robert Heffernan (Togher) crowned a great career with an excellent eight place finish in the men’s 50km Race Walk in 3:44:41 at the IAAF World Championships in London.

At 39 years of age, Heffernan, appears to have competed in his last major championship but hasn’t yet made an official decision on his retirement.

The Togher athlete is now a legend of the sport having competed in five Olympic Games and medalling at all the majors – European, World and Olympic. His crowning glory was of course becoming the world champion in Moscow in 2013.

“It was a tough race today but I had to turn it into a positive,” said Heffernan afterwards. “The last 10km I was back to my old self. I’ve had a great career and it was a good note to go out on. I’d like to thank my team and everyone who has supported me.”

France’s Yohann Diniz won the race in a championship record of 3:33:12.  

You can watch a video interview with him HERE or on Facebook HERE

Unfortunately Alex Wright (Leevale) was disqualified for three cautions for lifting. Wright had been going well early on but then had his shoe dislodged at 4km when someone stood on his heel. From there it was an uphill battle to get back up to the main group which saw him get his warnings. 

"I'm very disappointed," said Wright afterwards. "I've had a good season overall and it's very disappointing."