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.

OLIVE LOUGHNANE is ready for the race of her life in tomorrow morning’s women’s 20k walk in Beijing, according to coach Ray Flynn.

OLIVE LOUGHNANE can’t wait to toe the line at the 23rd IAAF World Race Walking Cup in Cheboksary, Russia, on Sunday for several reasons but mainly her recent good form.

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND U21s coach Don Givens is hoping his side are up to qualifying for the European Championship finals despite suffering a blow to morale in defeat against Portugal.

Irish U21s manager Don Givens’ young guns crashed to a third straight defeat to further dent their confidence.

Republic of Ireland Under-21 boss Don Givens faces an evening of experimentation in Portugal tomorrow after being forced into a raft of changes.