IRELAND'S Olympic hopefuls get the chance to see how they are progressing when they compete in the Engen Prestige in Roodeport, South Africa. The group travelled to Pretoria last week and today's is the first of two in which will participate.
Hurdlers TJ Kearns and Sean Cahill have a tough assignment as they face Britain's Tony Jarrett who will be anxious to build on his silver medal from Gothenburg last August.
Cahill injured his back in training last Sunday but has recovered and will be hopeful, that he can maintain his position as our top man over the barriers but Kearns, is now back to full fitness.
The altitude at Roodeport is certain to cause some problems for middle distance runners Daniel Caulfield and James Nolan. Caulfield is likely to suffer least as he has lived at these heights in the past while Nolan can take his education a step further.
John Regis is certain to provide a stern test for Kevin Cogley over both 100 metres and 200 metres with the home sprinting sensation 18 year old Riaan Dempers, who set African junior records at the sprints last year, hopeful of building further on those times.
Our two high jumpers Mark Mandy and Antoine Burke will be hopeful that the venue will be just the impetus to propel them to the Olympic qualifying heights with Anita Philpott the only female member of the party.
