Gregan wins with ‘shocking run’

Brian Gregan sprinted to victory in 21.05 seconds in the 200m at a lack-lustre Woodie’s DIY AAI Open Games yesterday that was designed as a dry run for the European Team Championships in Morton Stadium.

“It was shocking,” said Gregan after his run that was delayed due to an official being knocked out in the warm-up area in a collision with an athlete.

“I wasn’t properly warmed and I’m still shook up,” said the Clonliffe Harrier who witnessed the incident. “I couldn’t race properly.”

Nonetheless, it was still a new personal best and Gregan will now race over his specialist 400m distance in Huelva on Wednesday and Gothenburg on Saturday.

David Hynes (Menapians) ran a personal best of 21.11 in second and Zak Irwin (Sligo) ran 21.76 for third and a World Youth Championships qualifying time.

“I thought there’d be more people here,” noted the talented youngster from Sligo. “It wasn’t a great atmosphere.”

The 16-year-old is ranked sixth on the Irish senior ranking list and will be aiming to compete well in the World Youths in Donetsk, Ukraine (July 10-14).

Sarah Lavin (Emerald) had a productive day, winning the 100m in 12.04 and the 100m Hurdles in 13.82 along with competing in the 4 by 100m relay.

“It was a good day,” said Lavin.

Meanwhile in Turin, Rose Anne Galligan had a promising run, finishing fourth over 800m in 2:01.83, to go to the top of the Irish ranking list.