The IAAF World Track and Field Championships will take place in Beijing from August 22-30 and an 11 strong team was named today to represent Ireland at the event.
Defending world 50km Race Walk champion Robert Heffernan will lead the team, alongside rising stars Thomas Barr and Mark English.
Former World 400m finalist David Gillick was on hand to interview some of the Irish athletes at the announcement.
With less than 12 months to go until the 2016 Olympics, the World Championships are a key milestone for Irish athletes preparing for the Games.
“I see these championships as the ultimate dress rehearsal for Rio,” High Performance Director Kevin Ankrom said.
“Overall I am looking for the team to deliver performance on the world stage which they can build on for the Olympic Games next year.”
Members of the Irish team from left Timmy Crowe, Kerry Flaherty, Brendan Boyce, Kevin Ankrom, High Performance Director, Brian Gregan, Tori Pena, Brian Murphy, Thomas Barr, Michelle Finn, Richard Morrissey and Alex Wright pictured at the announcement of the Irish Team for the IAAF World Track and Field Championships in Beijing. Morton Stadium, Santry, Co. Dublin. Picture: Matt Browne/SPORTSFILE
Initial Team selection
Thomas Barr (Ferrybank) 400m Hurdles
Mark English (UCD) 800m
Kerry O’Flaherty (Newcastle), 3,000m steeplechase
Michelle Finn (Leevale) 3,000m steeplechase
Tori Pena (Finn Valley) Pole Vault
Alex Wright (Leevale) 20km/50km Race Walk
Robert Heffernan (Togher) 50km Race Walk
Brendan Boyce (Letterkenny) 50km Race Walk
4x400m relay (Thomas Barr, Mark English, Brian Gregan, Brian Murphy, Richard Morrissey (both Crusaders), Timmy Crowe (Clonliffe Harriers)
There are a number of athletes, Kelly Proper (200m), Sara Treacy (3,000m steeplechase), Ciara Everard (800m) and Ben Reynolds (110m hurdles) that are still in contention for selection under the new IAAF quota system athletes.