Tough break for O'Sullivan in Russia
World record holder Gillian O’Sullivan was disqualified in yesterday’s European Cup of Race Walking 20 kilometres event in Cheboksary for lifting.
At the Russian venue, O’Sullivan was sharing the lead with local favourite Yelena Nikolaveya.
However, while the 1996 Olympic champion went on to win in one hour 26 minutes 22 seconds, O’Sullivan was disqualified with only three kilometres of the race remaining.
Olive Loughnane finished eighth amongst the 50-strong field in a personal best time of one hour 30 minutes 30 seconds to better next year’s Olympic Games and this summer’s qualifying standards.
In the Men’s 20km event, Robert Heffernan was also disqualified just after the halfway point when lying 10th. Colin Griffin struck over two minutes from his previous best when finishing 25th in 1:25:20.
The Men’s 50km saw Jeff Cassin finish in 10th position, his time of 4:01:01 earning him the World Championship’s ’B’ standard.
