Robert Heffernan was placed 23rd (1:21:00) over 20km at the IAAF World Race Walking Cup in Taicang, China yesterday.

CLAIRE BRADY (Celbridge) will be back in action on Irish soil on Sunday when she lines up for the 100m at the Woodies DIY AAI Games, which return to Castleisland after a 10-year absence. The Games will include senior relays as well as Paralympic events and a Masters 3km team event.

THE OFF-SEASON has been tough for some of the world’s leading race walking women – many of whom are already eyeing the final event of the IAAF Race Walking Challenge in Beijing next September when a $30,000 cheque will await the winner.

Ireland’s director of coaching Max Jones is upbeat his small Olympic Games track and field squad will fulfil their potential – and possibly steal at least one podium place.

OLIVE LOUGHNANE has pulled out of next weekend’s IAAF World Race Walking Cup in Naumburg, Germany, following an injury that resulted in the loss of valuable training time in preparation for her Olympic bid in Athens next August.