Sarah Healy leads the illustrious National Athletics Championships with celebrity participants
2023 Irish National Athletics Championships Preview
The Irish National Athletics Championships are set to return to the Morton Stadium in Santry on the 2nd and 3rd of August, showcasing some of the country's top track and field athletes. Here's a sneak peek at some key athletes to watch out for.
Sarah Healy and Mark English Headline the Event
Sarah Healy, a five-time European medallist, leads the charge in the women's events. She's currently leading the Diamond League and won the Rome event in June. Healy is aiming for her 18th national title and holds two national records this year. Mark English, a dominant figure in the men's 800m, is seeking his 18th national title as well. The five-time European medallist hasn't been beaten at a national championship since 2013.
Rising Talents and Established Champions
The championships feature a star-studded field with top Irish athletes across various distances. In the men's 800m, Andrew Thompson, a newcomer who has rapidly risen with a 1:46 800m time after a late start in competitive running, is one to watch. Cian McPhillips, recovering from injury and having achieved an automatic qualifying mark for Tokyo, could put pressure on Mark English.
In the women's 800m, the absence of seven-time champion Louise Shanahan points towards a competitive race this year. Jenna Bromell, Maeve O'Neill, and Alex O'Neill are the national leads in the women's 800m this year, with personal bests well under 2:03.
Sprint Stars and Long Throw Specialists
Lauren Roy earned medals in both the 100m and 200m, showcasing her strong sprinting potential. The women's 200m could be an exciting watch, with Sarah Lavin and Roy among those entered. Lavin, who usually competes in the 100m and 100m hurdles, is entered in the 200m as well. Victoria Cameron, competing internationally, also highlights Ireland’s sprint talent, although her status for this particular championship is less detailed.
Niamh Fogarty and Anna Gavigan are new discus national record holder and European U23 finalist respectively in the women's long throws. Eric Favours will be searching for the B standard set by Athletics Ireland of 20.40m in the men's shot put, to be considered for selection for the World Championships.
Notable Absences and Newcomers
Rhasidat Adeleke will not compete in this weekend's nationals due to injury trouble. Seven-time national champion Louise Shanahan is also not competing in this year's outdoor nationals. Hannah Seagrave makes her debut at an Irish national championship in the Clonliffe colours. She won a bronze medal with Great Britain at the European U23 Championships in 2017 and broke two minutes for the first time last year.
Shane Bracken claimed his first Irish vest at the European Team Championships in June, while Israel Olatunde will be eyeing his fifth-straight outdoor championship title in the men's 100m.
Overcoming Injuries and Transferring Allegiance
Cathal Doyle and Andrew Coscoran have already achieved the automatic qualifying time for the 1500m. Cian McPhillips, recovering from injury, is another athlete who has secured an automatic qualifying mark for Tokyo. Seagrave has begun the process of transferring allegiance to Ireland through World Athletics but is waiting on approval from the global governing body.
Nationals Set to Showcase Top Irish Talent
Nine individuals and two relays have automatic qualification standards for Tokyo. With such a strong lineup of athletes, the 2023 Irish National Athletics Championships promise to be a highly anticipated event, showcasing both established champions and rising talents.
Sarah Healy, a five-time European medallist and Mark English, a dominant figure in the men's 800m, are set to participate in the sports events at the 2023 Irish National Athletics Championships.
In the women's 200m, Lauren Roy, Sarah Lavin, and several other promising athletes will showcase their sprinting skills, making the race an exciting watch.
