Stomach bug blamed for Loughnane exit

Olive Loughnane was in philosophical mood as she reflected on her disappointing exit from this morning's 20km walk at the European Athletics Championships in Barcelona.

The Cork-based Galway woman was one of Ireland's leading medal hopes for the Championships, having won silver at last year's World Championships in Berlin.

However, a stomach bug left her well below her best and she was forced to withdraw from the event around the 5km mark.

"I've had stomach problems. I tried to park them and just get stuck into the race, but they came back to bite me (during it)," admitted Loughnane afterwards.

"I've had trouble fuelling in the last couple of days. It's very disappointing, but you have to take the bad days with the good days. Berlin was great, and hopefully I'll have more good days ahead."

Loughnane led the field through the first two kilometres in 9 minutes and 27 seconds, and the 34-year-old continued to feature in the lead group before illness forced her to bow out.

"You know, the race would have been my ideal race. It started slow and the pace picked up.

"I would be there - but without food in my stomach, I didn't have the power.

"I've been struggling a bit in the last couple of days. I thought when I eased back, it might clear up but unfortunately it didn't. You can't fight nature."

With Loughnane's challenge faltering, Russia claimed a clean sweep with Olga Kaniskina (1 hour, 27 minutes and 44 seconds) winning gold, Anisya Kirdyapkina the silver and bronze went to their compatriot Vera Sokolova.

Kaniskina, who won in a season's best time, said: "It feels fantastic to have won here in Barcelona. I'm also very happy for the girls.

"We trained very well together and are now all on the podium. I was a little worried in the beginning of the race but then everything worked out fine."