Griggs lowers own Irish U20 Mile Record at Morton Games
Nick Griggs (Candour Track Club) lowered his own Irish U20 Mile Record last night in Dublin.
The 18-year-old produced a strong performance in the iconic Morton Mile race at the 2023 Morton Games in Santry to take nearly three seconds off his previous outdoor best, which was set at the same meet last year, finishing third against a top class field in 3.55.73.
The race was won by South African Ryan Mphahlele in 3.54.48, with Australia’s Adam Spencer taking second in 3.55.12.
The Tyrone man now holds the national U20 record in the 1500m (Indoors and Outdoors), Mile (Indoors and Outdoors), 3000m (Indoors and Outdoors) and 5000m (Outdoors), illustrating his ability across a broad range of distances.
“I’m buzzing. It was an unbelievable race,” a delighted Griggs said afterwards.
“I felt good. It was a strange one. I went out hard and then it obviously slowed but I came away with a decent time. I would’ve liked a wee bit quicker but the way the race panned out with the conditions; I know there’s a lot more in the tank when I get into the perfect race.”
Griggs has a busy few weeks ahead racing in Switzerland over 1500m on Thursday before returning to Ireland for the 123.ie National Senior Championships at the end of July prior to his biggest competitions of the season.
“I’m building towards European Juniors and then potentially World Seniors if I can get the points under my belt to get into that quota spot. That’s a big pipe dream goal but if it comes off it comes off,” he added.
Also in Santry, Sarah Lavin (Emerald A.C.) equalled the second fastest time of her career as she clocked an impressive 12.79 stadium record on a damp track to win the Women’s 100m Hurdles.
John Fitzsimons (Kildare A.C.) showed his class, finishing well to take victory in the Men’s 800m in 1.46.55.