U20 World Athletics Championships, Oregon

U20 World Athletics Championships

The U20 World Athletics Championships got underway on Wednesday, with two Kilkenny City Harriers athletes joining the 23 strong Irish team competing in Oregon, Eugene over the 5 days. Pia Langton was representing Ireland in the 800m and had also been selected to run the 1500m. Having qualified from her heat on day 1 in a time of 2:07.06. Pia’s run of 2:07.41 in the evening session semi-final on day 3, was not enough to qualify for the final, but an amazing run nonetheless. The time ranks Pia as 23^rd in the world in the Women’s 800m, an incredible achievement for the young athlete. Kate Maher Kilkenny City Harriers who was named as non-travelling reserve for the U18 European Irish team earlier in the summer, having met the Athletics Ireland standard twice in June, was this time selected to travel to the U20 World Championships as part of the Girls 4x400m relay team. Kate has been in super form throughout the outdoor track and field season dipping under the 55.60 time for 400m in Carlow in May and Tullamore in June. The team performed well in their heat on Day 4 of the Championships that saw Italy set a new National record of 3.33.63. Unfortunately for the girls their time of 3:40.06 to finish 7^th wasn’t enough to progress further, but no doubt an incredible experience for all in an Ireland singlet.