The high point of the athletics year, the World Track and Field Championships kick off today in Edmonton, Canada. Cork interest in the meet is at a very high level right now, with three athletes in action. Most attention will centre on Leevale’s Mark Carroll who has been in cracking form for the past few weeks. His season had a very late start this year, in total contrast to what he did last year when he was racing at a very high level for much longer. Mark takes to the track at 5:40pm (Irish time) on Monday, August 6th for the 1st round heats. The final takes place in the early hours of Saturday morning, August 11th at 5:25am. ( Full Schedule – Edmonton is 7 hours behind). Robert Heffernan of Togher has improved his performance dramatically this year in the walks, so much so that when he lines up for the 20k event he will have the respect of all his other competitors. Still very much inexperienced at this level a top ten finish looks very much on the cards. Breeda Dennehy Willis from Bandon is doubly entered for both the 5,000m and 10,000m. She is another who is rounding nicely into form at just the right time and should make the finals. All three couldn’t have been more impressive when winning titles at the national championships in Santry last week. Best of luck to them all!!