Qualifying standards raised

ATHLETICS: Irish athletes now know exactly what is needed to qualify for the World Championships in Moscow later this summer, and in many cases, the already high standards have been raised yet again.

The IAAF standards toughened up the qualifying standards in several events, compared to the London Olympics, including the 400 metres (where the A-standard is now 45.28), the 800 metres (1:45.30) and the 1,500 metres (3:35.00).

Athletics Ireland yesterday published their selection criteria, and while reflecting the IAAF standards in most events, there are a few notable exceptions: while the IAAF set the marathon standard at 2:17:00, Athletics Ireland have set their A-standard at 2:13:00 (the B-standard being 2:17) for men, and likewise for women, requiring an A-standard of 2:32 (compared to the IAAF standard 2:43).

In race walking, the A-standard for the 20km walk is set at 1:22.30 (compared to the IAAF standard of 1:24), and the 50km set at 3:55 (IAAF standard of 4:02.)

Athletics Ireland will consider the B-standard, provided no more than three athletes have the A-standard in the same event.