JOANNE CUDDIHY probably won’t win a medal at the European championships in Gothenburg — a cruel draw may have decided that last night when she drew Lane 1 for tonight’s final — but she won a special place in the hearts of Irish athletics fans with a courageous performance in the semi-finals of the women’s 400m.

LIAM REALE, in his first appearance at a major championship, qualified for the final of the men’s 1,500m with a never-say-die performance at the European Championships in Gothenburg last night, finishing eighth in 3:41.97 in a heat that produced all four fastest losers.

PAUL BRIZZEL walked away from the Stade de France with a broad smile last night after he had posted his A standard for next year’s Olympics.

ROBERT HEFFERNAN has made more sacrifices than anyone else in pursuit of athletic excellence and this evening the 24-year-old Togher man hopes to reap the rewards for all his effort when he lines up for the 20k walk final at the Olympic Stadium in Munich.