European Athletics Championships 2018 - Irish Day 6 Review

10th Place for Alex Wright in 20k Walk

European Championships

Berlin

Saturday August 11th 2018

Athletics Ireland Release (1pm) - Feidhlim Kelly

Wright in the mix and 10th in Europe

Alex Wright (Leevale) was in the shake-up for much of the men’s 20km race walk, before having to settle for a fine 10th place finish, in a season’s best of 1:22:18, at the European Athletics Championships in Berlin, earlier this morning, Saturday August 11th.

Cian McManamon (Wesport) was also in action making his major championship debut, and finished a battling 21st in 1:25:43.

Coming up to the hour mark in the race, Alex Wright was competing with the best athletes in Europe, in what was his finest performance in an Irish singlet.

“I had to play it safe in the end, because I had two warnings, but I’m happy with my performance, and it’s my best championships for Ireland,” said Wright. It was imperative that the Leevale athlete finished, and he did that by playing it smart. Wright dropped back to 16th at one point, but came back again strongly for a top ten finish.

This is a good stepping stone for Alex, and shows he has the capability of medalling at the next Europeans, in two years time.

Cian McManamon gave a spirited display, and showed that he has the capability to mix it at this level. “I gave it everything I had out there, and this is only the start for me,” McManamon said afterwards. “There were 20 guys better than me in Europe today, but I have a target now to pick up places one by one in the coming years. I was delighted to get to compete in such a big event with a great atmosphere.”

There was a festival atmosphere at Breitscheidplatz, with crowds lining the route, and in the grandstand, generating a great buzz, especially for the athletes.

Tomorrow is the last day of action. The morning sees Breege Connolly (North Belfast Harriers), Lizzie Lee (Leevale) and Gladys Ganiel (North Belfast Harriers) in the women’s marathon, at 8:05am Irish time.

The men's team of Kevin Seaward (St Malachy’s), Paul Pollock (Annadale Striders), Mick Clohisey (Raheny Shamrock), Sean Hehir (Rathfarnham) and Sergiu Ciobanu (Clonliffe Harriers) compete in the men’s marathon, at 9:00am Irish time.

In the evening session, the Irish women’s 4x100m relay team compete in the heats, at 18:20pm Irish time, with a potential final at 20:20pm.

Ciara Mageean (UCD) goes in the women’s 1500m final, at 19:00pm.

Athlete interviews are available on Athletics Ireland social media channels, and also on RTE, where there is extensive coverage of the championships.

Live timetable, results and live stream are on European Athletics

A history of the Irish at the European Athletics Championships

Irish European Championships Timetable

European Championships Preview and Irish Athletes Timetable 2018

Irish Athletes Schedule - Day 7 - Sunday August 12th

Sunday	August 12th	- AM	Irish Time	Venue Time	Athlete	Club	Event
			08:05	09:05	Breege Connolly	North Belfast Harriers	Marathon
			08:05	09:05	Gladys Ganiel	North Belfast Harriers	Marathon
			08:05	09:05	Laura Graham	Mourne Runners	Marathon
			08:05	09:05	Lizzie Lee	Leevale	Marathon
			09:00	10:00	Kevin Seaward	St Malachy's	Marathon
			09:00	10:00	Mick Clohisey	Raheny Shamrock	Marathon
			09:00	10:00	Paul Pollock	Annadale Striders	Marathon
			09:00	10:00	Sean Hehir	Rathfarnham WSAF	Marathon
			09:00	10:00	Sergiu Ciobanu	Clonliffe Harriers	Marathon

Sunday	August 12th	- PM	Irish Time	Venue Time	Athlete	Club	Event
			18:20	19:20			Women's 4 x 100m Relay Heats
			19:00	20:00	Ciara Mageean	UCD	1500m Final
			20:20	21:20			Women's 4 x 100m Relay Final