Efrem Gidey battled gamely in the energy sapping heat and humidity in the 10,000 at the world Championships in Tokyo today. In what was Efrem’s debut at a global track championship he was always in the mix right up to roughly 1200 to go, and then at that stage is the pace got even hotter Efrem slipped off the pack to finish in a commendable 19th position in a time of 29.30.37. Times do not matter in championship racing of course, particularly in those conditions, world gold was won by France’s Jimmy Gressier (28.55.71).
In this morning session Clonliffe’s other representative Cathal Doyle will have been a little disappointed with the outcome of his heat where he finished in 12th position in a time of 3.42.60, with 6 to qualify for the semis, unfortunately Cathal’s world championship journey came to an end.
The world Championships, to quoted a phrase, are indeed ‘different gravy’, it is the best athletes in the world who get this far. Congratulations to both Clonliffe men who have once again done themselves and their club proud.