Gillick aiming for World Indoor success

All eyes will be on David Gillick of Dundrum South Dublin when he lines up in the 400m men's heats at the World Indoor Athletics Championships in Doha tomorrow morning at 6:35am (Irish time).

The two-time European indoor 400m champion signaled his medal intentions by equaling his Irish record of 45.52 seconds at the Aviva Grand Prix in Birmingham. This time ranks him as the second fastest of the final entries for Doha. The Dubliner will be hoping to threaten the US challenge which includes 400m hurdler specialist Bershawn Jackson.

Jackson won the US indoor title on the flat in an impressive 45.41 seconds. His countryman Jamaal Torrance (45.76) finished runner-up behind Jackson at the championships and is another podium threat. World leader Torrin Lawrence, who has run 45.03 this season, hasn't travelled due to college commitments.

Surprisingly, the USA has secured only one gold medal in the last seven editions of the World Indoor Championships.

Brian Gregan of Clonliffe Harriers will also line up line the men's 400m heats after recently setting a new personal best of 46.68 seconds in Vienna.

Also in action tomorrow will be Irish high jump record holder Deirdre Ryan (Dundrum South Dublin), while Claire Brady (Celbridge AC) will line up in the women's 60m heats.

In the middle distance events David McCarthy (Le Cheile AC) will line up in a competitive men's 800m while Kelly McNiece (City of Lisburn AC) and Rose Anne Galligan (Newbridge AC) will compete in the women's 1500m heats. Deirdre Byrne (Sli Chualann AC) and Hazel Murphy (DSD) will compete in the women's 3000m heats.

Irish Record holder Kelly Proper (Ferrybank AC) will have to wait until Saturday morning before competing in the women's long jump qualification rounds, as will the men's 4x 400m relay squad.

Team manager Patsy MGonagle said: 'The attitude in the camp is relaxed and everyone is in high spirits and looking forward to the competition kicking off tomorrow. The team has been doing some final preparations in both the outdoor and indoor facilities which are awe inspiring.'