Heffernan profile

The Irish athletics community loved Robert Heffernan even before he struck gold yesterday. They feel he is one of them.

While race walking is a minority within a minority sport, all athletes admired and identified with the man who 10 years ago had no job, no money and a young daughter Meghan but decided to pursue his dream against the odds.

“I came from a very humble background,” said Heffernan who grew up in Douglas with one brother and three sisters.