National 20k Race Walk Championships 2024 (6th Apr)

Oisin Lane wins National 20k Race Walk

In line with the elite trend of combining National Championships with major International events in order to raise the overall competitive standards, this year’s National 20k race Walk Championships was held in conjunction with the World Tour Gold event held in Podebrady, Czech Republic on Saturday 6th April. The best of the current crop of Irish Senior racewalkers toed the line with the elite of 37 countries from five continents in unusually warm conditions for this venue. This heat took its toll with almost a third of the field failing to finish, an incredible drop-out rate. With two recent Irish Olympians entered, on paper, Oisin Lane would have been considered a reasonable prospect for a bronze medal in the Irish Championships, but needing to be on top form to achieve this. Walking to his own plan, Oisin set about his task with focus and soon moved into the silver medal position but with 3 other Irish athletes all in close contention. While the heat began to curtail his pacing around 8k he still reached 10k in 41 minutes 50 seconds and chasing the leading Irish walker. By 12k he moved into first place but had to hold off strong challenges all the way to the finish line, which he reached in 84 minutes 12 seconds, a new personal best by a mere one second. While Oisin indeed had hoped for a faster finishing time, his overall position was 27th, which was satisfying for an athlete who was one of the youngest in this global event.

Also representing the Club in the Championships was young Matthew Glennon who likewise made the long journey to the Czech Republic. He was initially moving at a pace well inside his personal best but as the heat affected his form, it also had an adverse impact on his technique. With the World level judges present showing no mercy, he had to endure the hardship of being one of those to face the red disc and disqualification. However, with youth on his side, especially as he is still eligible for European u/23 Championships next year, he has the time to build for the unique challenges of the global stage [ML].