Pole vaulter Pena books London spot

Tori Pena has become the first Irish pole vaulter to qualify for an Olympic Games.

The Finn Valey AC athlete, a native Californian who declared for Ireland, secured the Olympic A standard of 4.50 metres on Saturday night at & Centros College.

Pena met the London standard in winning the Californian competition with 20cm to spare from Kelsie Hendry.

Irish 400m record holder Joanne Cuddihy (Kilkenny) was also in action at the weekend, winning the Melbourne Track Classic in 52.37.

Her sister Catriona, who is targeting a place on the Irish women’s 4x400m team, finished fourth with a time of 55.83, setting a new personal best.

Ciaran Ó Lionaird (Leevale) competed in the Wilson Notre Dame Invitation meet yesterday over 800m, as he finalised his preparations for the World Indoor Championships next weekend.

He finished second in a personal best of 1.48.40. Anthony Lieghio (Tallaght AC) was also in action, winning his race in 1:49.34.