Watch: We trained with Ireland's Olympic legends ahead of Paris 2024, here's what happened 

Ever wondered what it’s like to train as an Olympian? We sent Noel Baker to race-walk with Rob Heffernan, Deirdre McArdle to clear hurdles with Derval O’Rourke, and Kate Demolder to sprint with Jason Smyth.

Champion race walker turned coach, Rob Heffernan, pictured with Irish Examiner journalist Noel Baker who stepped up to Rob’s challenge and gave race walking a go. Picture: Chani Anderson

ROB HEFFERNAN

It was quite possibly the longest 200 metres of my life. And then I had to do it again.