Athens boost for Carroll in 5,000m

MARK CARROLL highlighted his well-being in advance of the Olympic Games by running away with the 5,000m and then winning an exciting sprint for third place behind Alistair Cragg and young Colin Costello in the 1,500m at the Woodies DIY National Championships at Morton Stadium yesterday.

Alistair Cragg, who has qualified for the 5,000m at the Olympic Games with Mark Carroll and Cathal Lombard, made an impressive Irish debut in the 1,500m, but the sensation of the race was schools champion, Colin Costello. A double silver medallist at the European Youth Olympics, he battled it out with Cragg before finishing second in a new career best time of 3:45.34. Cragg, pleased with his performance, won in 3:44.37.

Carroll reclaimed the 5,000m title in 13:51.67 and he then lined up for his first 1,500m race since he brought off a 5,000m/1,500m double at national championships two years ago.