Heffernan lays Beijing intent on the record
It is almost a year since the Togher walker posted his qualifying standard for Beijing at a meet in China and since then he has been consistently inside the mark — ending his season with a spectacular sixth placing at last year’s world championships in Osaka.
That was always going to be difficult to repeat but he showed that he has certainly built on it by walking a second-and-a-half inside the old record to retain his title, in 18:51.46.
“Over 5k, I knew there would be no room for error,” he said. “I only got it by a second and a half — it is very fast. I have never come close to it in recent times.
“The closest I came to it over the last six years is 20 seconds but I was confident this time around. I knew I was in the shape to do it and I was confident I could do it.
“I lapped the whole field at least twice and that helped my concentration — just roping fellows in — feeling stronger and stronger all the time.
“I knew coming up here that if I did not break the record it would have to be because of a mental problem — coping with a higher standard.”
He added: “I had a race in Spain in December and I exceeded all my expectations. I have 18 months unbroken training now so my minimum base level is higher. Spain in December — if I had to do that race now this week, and I got the same result, I would be looking at a disaster, while back then it was brilliant.
“So that is another indicator. December was better than a year ago. This is better than this time last year. If I need to walk 79 minutes for 20k, I have to be able to walk 18 minutes for 5k. You have to have the wheels.
“I am home for a week. Then I am going back to semi-altitude with Paco in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. It is at 1,200m so I come home and I’m getting an altitude tent for 10 days.
“I like coming home because I am very happy and very settled at home. I have two weeks away, I come home for 10 days and then I go to Mexico for 10 days and I’ll be home again for 10 days. Then my longest stint away will be altitude for a month.
“I am happy with the way things are going. Aidan Logan from the Viscount Bar covered my camp to Spain and paid for this weekend in Belfast as well. So I came up here without a worry. I am able to relax because it is expensive. I am on schedule for Beijing.”
He added: “Every time I put my foot on the line I am inside the Olympic standard. If was only going to the Olympics for the sake of being there, I would not go because I have been to two of them.
“The surprise factor is gone. I have to be able to compete. Osaka gave me a huge lift. In Spain a couple of weeks ago the lads were telling me I was very strong — thought I might be doing it too early — but I got on to Robert (Korzenowski) and he said ‘Robbie you were sixth best walker in the world last year, this is normal for you. Don’t listen to anyone — just keep doing what your are doing’.”
To add to his delight, his girlfriend Marian Andrews (Togher) won the silver medal in the final of the women’s 400m yesterday. Gold went to Brona Furlong from Wexford with Jessica Zebo (Leevale) took the bronze medal position.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
