The Olympic Games 2008
Date: 16/8/08
Robert Heffernan produced a superb display of race walking to finish 8th at the Olympic Games in Beijing on Saturday. Robert took to the line in the mens 20km event and was looking to repeat his 6th place finish at last years World championships. He lined up against some outstanding athletes including the reigning Olympic champion Ivano Brugnetti, last years World champion Jefferson Perez, world silver medalist Francisco Fernandez and a host of other talented guys. Robert positioned himself in the main group for much of the race and even had a spell leading around 14km. At 15km world champion Perez made a break and only the Russian athlete Valeriy Borchin and Australian Jared Tallent were able to go with him. Borchin stormed through the last 2km to take gold in 1.19.01, with Perez 2nd in 1.19.15 and Tallent 3rd in 1.19.42. Robert battled to a superb 8th place finish narrowly behind his training partner and last year’s world silver medalist Fernandez. This rounded off a superb year for Robert having set Irish records over 5km, 10km and 20km. All at the club are incredibly proud of his achievements and we look forward to London 2012 where Robert will be at his peak.
Photos from China
Robert Heffernan produced a superb display of race walking to finish 8th at the Olympic Games in Beijing on Saturday. Robert took to the line in the mens 20km event and was looking to repeat his 6th place finish at last years World championships. He lined up against some outstanding athletes including the reigning Olympic champion Ivano Brugnetti, last years World champion Jefferson Perez, world silver medalist Francisco Fernandez and a host of other talented guys. Robert positioned himself in the main group for much of the race and even had a spell leading around 14km. At 15km world champion Perez made a break and only the Russian athlete Valeriy Borchin and Australian Jared Tallent were able to go with him. Borchin stormed through the last 2km to take gold in 1.19.01, with Perez 2nd in 1.19.15 and Tallent 3rd in 1.19.42. Robert battled to a superb 8th place finish narrowly behind his training partner and last year’s world silver medalist Fernandez. This rounded off a superb year for Robert having set Irish records over 5km, 10km and 20km. All at the club are incredibly proud of his achievements and we look forward to London 2012 where Robert will be at his peak.
Photos from China
