Cragg holds back to let team-mate win

Athletics NCAA Championships: Only in honouring his Arkansas team-mate did Ireland's Alistair Cragg deny himself the first half of a distance-running double at the American NCAA track and field championships, in Sacramento, California.

In a memorable finish to the 10,000 metres, Cragg crossed the line hand in hand with Daniel Lincoln, but held back slightly to allow his team-mate the win. Lincoln was timed in 28 minutes, 20.20 seconds - an Arkansas record - with Cragg marginally behind in 28:20.29.

Although Cragg had broken open the field on the 15th of the 25-lap race, and dropped Kenya pre-race favourite Boaz Cheboiywo of Eastern Michigan, he was later joined by Lincoln for the last few laps, and at that point decided Lincoln should win.

"I told him I wanted him to win," said Cragg afterwards. "It was his senior year, and one of his last races for Arkansas. I respect the guy, and owe a lot to him. I have another year to win that title."

"I really appreciated it," Lincoln said. "I said let's come across together and leave it to chance, but he said 'oh no, you're the senior'."

The two athletes were immediately congratulated by the president of the University of Arkansas and their Mayo-born coach, John McDonnell. Their maximum points will help Arkansas to win the team title.

Cragg goes in the 5,000 metres in tonight's closing session while Lincoln competes in the 3,000 metres steeplechase - both start their event as favourites.

Ireland's Roisín McGettigan, who attends Providence College, goes in the women's 3,000 metres steeplechase as a strong medal contender.

Closer to home, the visiting athletics teams from Harvard and Yale universities will compete tomorrow against the University of Limerick and an Irish students selection at the UL track in Limerick. The meeting marks the second edition of a four-year exchange between the Irish and American universities.