OConnor Improves Road To Paris Rankings in Ratingen

Under the guidance of coach Michael O’Connor, Kate delivered six season-best performances, including an exceptional 52.12m in the Javelin, culminating in a score of 6244. This score, her second highest ever, surpassed her silver medal performance in Birmingham by 11 points.

The Combined Events category features a limited number of individual competitors at the Olympics. Prior to this event, Kate was ranked 27th, with only 24 spots available for Paris. Her recent success now positions her 22nd in the Road to Paris rankings, putting her in a strong place with just one week remaining in the qualification period.

Mannheim Junior International

At the Mannheim Junior Gala in Germany, several Northern Irish athletes delivered strong performances. Conor Kelly finished 5th in the 400m with a time of 48.07, Adam Courtney came 16th with 49.46, and Toby Thompson secured 11th place in the 200m with 21.67 (wind -0.2).

Other Highlights

On June 21st, Nick Griggs impressed at the World Athletics Silver Meeting in Madrid with a 1500m time of 3.35.64, just shy of his personal best, earning him a 6th place finish.

Tailteann Games

Juvenile athletes showcased their talent at the Tailteann Games in Dublin on Saturday. Harry McKenzie (Enniskillen Royal) won the boys' 3000m in 8.51.17. Ava Diver (Dominican) had a busy day, finishing 3rd in the Girl’s 800m with 2.14.92 and later 3rd in the Girl’s 3000m. Emily Morris (Strathearn) secured 2nd in the Girl’s 3000m with a personal best of 10.06.82.

BMC Grand Prix in Loughborough

Several local athletes competed in the BMC Grand Prix in Loughborough. Jack O’Farrell (Newry AC) set a new personal best of 3.44.42, finishing 6th in the Men’s A 1500m. Chris Fielding (City of Derry) also achieved a personal best in the Men’s A 3000m, with a time of 8.06.37, finishing 11th. Kirsti Foster (Willowfield) ran a season’s best of 4.32.79 to finish 8th in the Women’s C 1500m.

Local Events

The popular Lisburn Half Marathon and 10k races took place on June 19th. Eskander Turki (Annadale Striders) comfortably won the Half Marathon, with Conor Gallagher (CNDR) coming in 2nd. Gillian McCrory (St Pete’s AC) won the Women’s Half Marathon. Brandon McKeown (Annadale Striders) won the Men’s 10k, and Hannah Gilliland (Annadale Striders) topped the podium in the Women’s 10k.

In the Comber 10k, Robbie Hagan (Newcastle & District AC) won the Men’s race, and Caroline McNutt claimed victory in the Women’s race.