ATHLETICS CORK CITY SPORTS:FOR THE last two years Paul Hession has remained positive about becoming the first Irish sprinter to win a medal at a major championship and was more upbeat than ever after he shared the spoils with world-class Brendan Christian in the 200 metres at a wind-spoiled Cork City Sports at the new CIT track in Bishopstown on Saturday.
Hession shared top billing with two other Irish stars, hurdler Derval O’Rourke and world silver medallist walker Olive Loughnane, and while all three made their mark the Galwayman was not beating about the bush in terms of having a real crack at winning at the European Championships in Barcelona in four weeks. Hession was very enthusiastic about the Europeans after fighting back to tie the 200 metres with Christian in 21.07 into the teeth of a six-metre wind but is clearly thinking positively about the event in Barcelona.
“I can win it, although I appreciate it’s going to be extremely tough” said the classy performer, who has already proved himself the best Irish sprinter in history.
“I know it will be a close one and I just need to get it absolutely right on the day and that is why I’m trying not to get too excited in the built-up . . . I would say that I’m probably one of about six guys that can win the gold medal but I think there is definitely a medal there if I run to my best.”
The way Hession came back from a clear deficit 25 metres from the line and draw level with a man of Christian’s qualities as a sprinter was extremely impressive. “That is the type of race you need to give you that feel-good feeling because I know how strong Brendan is in a finish. I ran a very good bend but I think I lost concentration but it was hard to get motivated in these conditions but after a few more races I should be as ready as I’ve ever been. That time was probably worth about 20.6 in good conditions.”
He will run the 200 metres at the big meeting in Lausanne on Thursday night before completing his Euro preparations with another 200 at the Irish Championships next Saturday. “And that will be it” said Hession, whose closing 20 metres was exceptional.
The wind was so strong it nearly knocked O’Rourke off her stride at the third hurdle but she recovered to fight a rearguard battle against two world-class opponents, Priscilla Lopes-Schliep of Canada, the winner in 13.21, and the American, Kellie Wells. The wind crippled the chances of a fast time but O’Rourke was happy to be third in 13.40, considering the wounds she sported from a bad fall in Germany 10 days ago, scarring her elbow, ribs and hip bone. “I was lucky not do break my arm and I’m still a bit sore but you have to be ready to get up and fight on and that is what I’m doing,” she said.
“Everything is being geared around Barcelona . . . I will have a race in Barcelona next Friday and get a chance to get a feel of the stadium. I knew I had a battle on my hands but I’m happy, definitely happy.”
Loughnane arrived at the meeting just hours after returning from France where she had spent a month altitude training. “You could say that training was an investment in my preparations for Barcelona because I know how difficult it’s going to be, especially if the weather is hot and humid but this was only a sprint today,” said the Galway woman who claimed the top prize in the 3,000 metre event in 12:51.06.
Jamie Costin of Waterford set a Irish men’s 3,000 metres record of 11:12.02 in finishing second to Aussie Luke Adams.
There was also a very impressive performance from Waterford girl Kate Veale, who finished just seven seconds behind Loughnane in 12:58.60, all of 45 seconds inside the Irish junior record.
Loughnane will defend her Irish title next weekend and then go away to a training camp prior to Barcelona and her 20km event.
