ATHLETICS:The Irish challenge at the European Indoor Track and Field Championships in Turin will begin with Derval O'Rourke tomorrow and there is optimism in the camp ahead of what could be an overdue antidote to the disappointment of the Beijing Olympics.
After breaking the eight second barrier in Prague last week, for the first time since 2006, O’Rourke is hopeful things are falling into place in time for the 60m hurdle heats.
“I am completely focused on Friday,” said the Leevale athlete today. “So far this year, even in Prague, not everything went right for me.
“There were little things that I wasn’t happy with compared to how training has been going so if I can get those right hopefully I can do well,” added the European number three.
After failing to reach his potential in Beijing, double European indoor champion David Gillick knows he has to prove himself again as the sets out to defend his 400m crown.
After one run this season in Dusseldorf, Gillick is also ranked third, and faces stiff competition in top-ranked home favourite Claudio Licciardello.
“I’m looking forward to getting out and competing,” said the Dubliner. “I’m not thinking about previous years, this is a new year and I have to prove myself all over again and I’m just can’t wait to see what I can do out there.”
Much is expected of the fit again Mary Cullen from Sligo after she recently beat Sonia O’Sullivan’s 3,000m indoor record.
The American-based athlete arrived early to allow recovery from jetlag and is relaxed ahead of the occasion.
“I have been here since last Saturday and the jetlag has worn off so I am feeling good.
“I had my last workout on Monday and everything went well so I’m fairly relaxed about competing on Saturday.
“I want to get stuck in like I did I Brussels but I know that if I am going to medal I need everything to go right for me but that is my target and we will see how it goes.”
Other Irish in action at the Oval Lingotto are pole vaulter Zoe Brown and long jumper Kelly Proper.
Irish Competitors – Day One (Irish Time in Brackets)
DAY 1 – 60M (H) Round 1: (8.45) 9.45 – Derval O’Rourke
DAY 1 – 400M Round 1: (9.45) 10.45 – Bronagh Furlong / Marian Andrews
DAY 1 – 400M Round 1: (10.15) 11.15 – David Gillick
DAY 1 – Long Jump Quals: (11.15) 12.15 – Kelly Proper
DAY 1 – 60M (H) Semi-Final: (14.45) 15.45 – Derval O’Rourke
DAY 1 – Pole Vault Quals: (14.50) 15.50 – Zoe Brown
DAY 1 – 800M Round 1: (15.55) 16.55 – David McCarthy
DAY 1 – 1500M Round 1: (16.25) 17.25 – Roisin McGettigan
DAY 1 – 400M Semi-Final: (16.45) 17.45 – Bronagh Furlong / Marian Andrews
DAY 1 – 400M Semi-Final: (17.05) 18.05 – David Gillick
DAY 1 – 60M (H) Final: (17.40) 18.40 – Derval O’Rourke