European Team Race Walking Championships 2023 (21st May)

One of the biggest dates on the international race walking calendar as the European Team Race Walking Championships took place outside Prague in the beautiful spa town of Poděbrady on Sunday 21st May. Six athletes were selected to represent Ireland, with three of those athletes – Oisin Lane, Matthew Glennon and Andrew Glennon – being from Mullingar Harriers.

First up was the Senior Men’s 20k walk, with Oisín and Matthew both making their Senior International debuts in this event. Unfortunately for Matthew, the combination of unfamiliar 25degC heat and the furious pace of championship racing proved too much, and the 19 year old had to withdraw with severe hamstring strain soon after 12k. Matthew was the youngest in the race, and was competing against much older athletes in an event where experience is crucial. He will learn a lot from his senior international debut, and we expect to see more of him on the international stage in the future.

Being a little older and more experienced internationally benefitted Oisin, who finished well inside the top half of the elite field in 22nd place in a season’s best of 1:26:26. Oisin was the second Irishman home, finishing between two Olympians, David Kenny and Brendan Boyce. Oisin’s result helped the Irish team finish an excellent seventh place. Oisin will be very happy with this result, as he prepares for the European u/23 Championships in Finland in July.

Later in the evening came the Junior Men’s 10k walk, with Andrew featuring on the Irish team. Andrew achieved a time of 46:29, which is very close to his personal best, finishing in 18th place individually, and also helping the Irish team to 9th in Europe.