Irish walker Rob Heffernan claimed a brilliant gold medal in Moscow this morning by coming home in first place in the 50km race walk.
The Cork man put in an outstanding performance to finish 62 seconds ahead of Russian Mikhail Ryzhov and claim a most deserved World title for one of Ireland’s most consistent athletes in recent times.
Heffernan, who finished in fourth place in the Olympics in London last summer, was given a boost beforehand when Russian Olympic champion Sergey Kirdyapkin was forced to withdraw.
He finished the race in a time of 3:37:56 and claim the finest moment in his career, while his training partner, Brendan Boyce of Letterkenny, also put in a strong performance in the event.
Well done Rob, you certainly deserved it.
Here is footage of the closing stages, complete with Russian commentary. Thankfully the words aren't important.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oQ0h2FLVK38
