Loughnane ready to make World Cup splash

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.

At the IAAF Race Walking challenge in Rio Maior on April 5, she posted her second fastest time ever for 20k at 90 min 50 sec behind the 2000 Olympic silver medallist Kjersti Plätzer.

Five years ago in Cheboksary, she set her personal best for 20k at 9 min 25 sec so it is hardly surprising that she is looking forward to returning to ancient capital of the Chavash Republic, on the banks of the River Volga.