SHANAHAN STORMS TO NEW IRISH 800M RECORD

Louise Shanahan (Leevale AC) has produced the run of her life to secure a new Irish 800m record of 1:59:42 at the Irish Milers Club meeting in Belfast today (May 14th).

The Leevale star went head-to-head with fellow Tokyo Olympian Ciara Mageean at the Belfast meet, eventually coming out on top to break the record previously held by Mageean (1:59:69). The record breaking performance also secured the qualification standards for the World Championships in Oregon, as well as the European Championships in Munich which both take place later this summer.

Shanahan raced tactically from the gun, staying in touching distance of Mageean before unleashing her final challenge down the home straight. Mageean fought back and ultimately crossed in a superb season opener of 1:59:82.

Other performances of note included a 10.35 for Israel Olatunde (UCD AC) over 100m, edging him ever closer to the record of Paul Hession (10.18).  Tokyo 2022 relay star Sophie Becker (Raheny Shamrock) continued her early season form with a 52.24 PB over 400 to move into the top 5 on the Irish all-time list, while her Olympic team-mate Robert McDonnell (Galway City Harriers) also secured a PB of 20.61 (400m).

Irish Milers Meet Results: HERE

Meanwhile in Doha, Thomas Barr produced a superb season opener at the Diamond League (May 13th) to take third place in a World class men's 400mH (49.67).

Full Result: HERE