Kate O'Connor still on track to win heptathlon medal after 'solid' long jump

Kate O'Connor is in fourth place heading into the javelin and 800m, the final two events of the heptathlon at the World Athletics Championships. She is on course to win Ireland's first medal at the championships in 12 years. 

Kate O'Connor fouled on her opening opening effort in the long jump putting her under pressure with subsequent attempts but she did manage to leap 6.22m. Pic: by Sam Barnes/Sportsfile

Kate O’Connor is firmly on track to win Ireland its first ever global outdoor medal in the multi-events after another strong performance in the long jump at the World Championships in Tokyo this morning.

In the fifth of seven events in the heptathlon, the Dundalk athlete had a best of 6.22m, which saw her drop from second to fourth in the standings on 4824 points. Given the long jump is one of O'Connor's weaker events, that was expected and with the javelin to come next, she’ll likely push back up into the medal positions before the concluding 800m.