Derval below par in Beijing

There was major disappointment for Leevale’s Derval O’Rourke in Beijing as she trailed in 6th in Heat 2, Round 1 of the 100m hurdles. Her time of 13.22 was well below her season’s best, and some way off the pace in a strong heat where she would have needed to run close to her national record of 12.72 to qualify for the semi-finals.

The Olympics rounds off a frustrating season for Derval. Her performance yesterday was not helped by missing out on over two weeks’ training due to niggling injuries. It was also clear from a post-race interview with RTÉ’s Greg Allen that she was also suffering from breathing difficulties, something that had plagued her since arriving at the pre-Olympics training camp in Japan. Add to this some difficulties with her hurdling technique, and it was clear she had plenty to contend with!

Hopefully we will see Derval back in action soon and running close to her best, possibly gunning for the European Championships in Barcelona in 2010.

100mH results

Olympics results and timetable page