ROUND 1 OF THE AAI NATIONAL LEAGUE SEES STARS RETURN

POSTED:

The 2023 national athletics calendar returned with a bang today for round 1 of the AAI National Indoor League which was hosted at the Sport Ireland National Indoor Arena (January 8th).

Ireland’s fastest man, Israel Olatunde, opened his 2023 season with a comfortable first place finish (guest) in the men’s 60m in 6.73.

Olatunde will be back in action for the 123.ie National U23 Indoor Championships on January 14th.

Bori Akinola also impressed for UCD in the 60m, clocking 6.80 alongside Chris Sibanda (6.80) of Clonliffe. Oliver Swinney (Speed Development Project Track AC) backed up his recent 6.84 with a 6.80 60m today too.

There was a superb Leevale duel in the 60m later in the day, with Joan Healy and Lucy May Sleeman providing one of the finishes of the day in the second round of sprints. Healy crossed first in 7.38, with Sleeman second in 7.41. Sarah Leahy (Killarney Valley AC) also started her 2023 season with a bang, posted a best of 7.46 to cross in third.

Leevale’s Reece Ademola posted a 7.51m long jump to kickstart his 2023 season. The World U20 finalist spearheaded a strong Leevale team across today’s action.

Clonliffe's Rolus Olusa was best of the pole vaulters at today's first round of the league with a 4.20m clearance for the multi-event specialist.

The women's long jump was dominated by the St Abban's pair of Ruby Millet and Saragh Buggy. Millet was best on the day with a 6.16m jump, while Laura Frawley of Nenagh Olympic was best of the league jumpers with a 5.32m.

Ratoath AC gave another strong showing in the 4x400m relay events, with their men’s team finishing second fastest on the day behind a strong Clonliffe line-up which included Olympian Marcus Lawler. Clonliffe’s winning was 3:26.70. Ratoath’s women’s 4x400m team also impressed, posting a 3.55.99 to take top spot.

Round 2 of the league is set for TUS in Athlone on January 22nd, with the final to take place back at the Sport Ireland NIA on February 11th.

Full Results HERE

Newsletter sign up

Sign-up for the Athletics Ireland E-Zine with exclusive interviews, coaching news and offers!

Which of the following best describes you?