Irish walker O'Sullivan just misses medal

Gillian O'Sullivan has just missed out on a medal at the 18th European Championships in Munich this morning.

The Kerry-born athlete, who claimed a 5,000 metres world record in Santry earlier this year, finished fourth in the women's 20km walk after a brave effort.

Russia's world record holder Olimpiada Ivanova won the event by 42 seconds from team-mate Yelena Nikolayeva (1:28.20) and Italy's Erica Alfridi (1:28.33)

O'Sullivan's fourth place also set a new national record at that distance, finishing in 1hr 28.46 mins, shattering her personal best by 25 seconds.

O'Sullivan was 10th at the Sydney Olympics two years ago.

Meanwhile fellow Irish walker Olive Loughnane was a creditable 13th in 1:33.08.