Coghlan: A great way to mark anniversary

Eamonn Coghlan last night described Robert Heffernan’s 50km race walk win as “a great way to celebrate” his world championships triumph on the 30th anniversary of his 5,000m gold in Helsinki.

“It is 30 years to the day since I won the world title and what a great way to celebrate it,” said Coghlan who along with Sonia O’Sullivan are the only other outdoor world champions in Irish athletics’ history.

“I’m delighted. I don’t relive it every year on the 14th of August but Robert’s victory reminded me of the feeling that you’re about to become world champion — one of the greatest feelings that a sports person can have.”