Competing in her first Irish championships, Victoria Pena set a national record at 4.15 in the Pole Vault at the Woodies DIY National Championships in Santry.
Pena who claimed gold is from the USA and has just recently declared for Ireland. The athlete, who competes with Finn Valley AC, is hoping to represent Ireland at the European Athletics Championships in Barcelona at the end of the month.
Elsewhere, Niamh Whelan from Ferrybank AC won the women's 200m final. In a close race, Whelan just edged out today's long jump champion Kelly Proper who finshed second and in third place was Joanne Cuddy from Kilkenny City Harriers.
In the men's 200m final, Paul Hession has kept up his good form with a fist place finish in a time of 20.76. to claim gold. Steven Colvert came in second with Daragh Graham finishing third.
Bryony Treston came home first in a close race in the women's 3,000m Steeplechase. She was pushed right to the line by Michelle Finn from Duhallow AC and they were follow in third place by Elizabeth Egan from Bree AC in third.
In the long jump, Kelly Proper retained her title. The Waterford athlete jumped a distance of 6.35 to claim gold. In second place was Mary McCullan and third was Sally-Ann Mohan.
In the women’s 5,000m walk, 16 year old Kate Veale came home in first place with a time of 22.52.89. The Waterford native’s time is a national junior record and a personal best. In second place was Laura Reynolds from Mohill AC and third was Rachel Conlan from Waterford AC.
Ireland’s most famous walker, Olive Loughnane, pulled out of the championships on medical advice. Last year’s World silver medallist is suffering from a stomach bug and should be fully recovered for the European Championships at the end of the month.
