Loughnane fails to finish 20km walk

THE tale of woe that has beset Irish race walkers continued in Athens yesterday when Olive Loughnane failed to finish the women’s 20km final.

In the absence of world silver medallist Gillian O’Sullivan, who withdrew as a result of an injury last week, she was Ireland’s sole competitor in the event but struggled from the onset.

“She just did not feel well,” said Irish Athletics team manager Michael Quinlan.