Sport

Galligan positive after bowing out of 800m in Moscow

‘I’ll take it as motivation into next year for World Indoors and European Outdoors’

Ireland’s Rose-Anne Galligan (right) with New Zealand’s Angela Smit following their heat of the women’s 800m. Galligan finished in seventh place in a time of 2:02.05. Photograph: Stephen McCarthy / SPORTSFILE
Ireland’s Rose-Anne Galligan (right) with New Zealand’s Angela Smit following their heat of the women’s 800m. Galligan finished in seventh place in a time of 2:02.05. Photograph: Stephen McCarthy / SPORTSFILE
Thu Aug 15 2013 - 13:28

Rose-Anne Galligan was proud of her efforts in the 800m heats at the Athletics World Championships in Moscow, despite missing out on qualification for the semi-finals this morning.

The Newbridge Athletics Club was seventh in Heat 2 after failing to reach the heights she set at the London Diamond League meeting in July, when she broke Sonia O'Sullivan's 800m national record with a time of 2:00.58.

Galligan came home in a time of 2:02.05 just over two seconds behind winner Alysa Johnson-Montano (1:59.47), whose compatriot Brenda Martinez (1:59.39) was the fastest qualifier in Heat 1.

“I was ranked 28th coming into the championships and knew only 16 would progress, so I knew I had a very slim chance of getting through, but I was determined,” said Galligan afterwards. “I’ll learn from this race. I’ll take it as motivation into next year for World Indoors and European Outdoors. I gave it all I had out there today and I am proud of myself for that.”

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Ireland's only remaining interest in Moscow is Paul Pollock of Annadale Striders AC who will compete in the marathon on Saturday.