In the space of 6.57 seconds, Israel Olatunde, the European 100 metre finalist from last August, produced the performance of the 123.ie National Indoor Athletics Championships at the Sport Ireland Campus in Abbottstown.
In stopping the clock at a new Irish 60 metres record which had stood to Paul Hession for 16 years, Olatunde recorded a time which ranks joint-seventh in Europe this season.
The performance was as fast as the Olympic champion Lamont Jacobs has run this season and ranks inside the top-eight in Europe.
If the 20-year-old produces that kind of form at the European Indoor Championships in a fortnight, a place in the eight lane final is well within reach.
⚡️NEW NATIONAL RECORD⚡️
— Athletics Ireland (@irishathletics) February 19, 2023
A magical performance from Israel Olatunde (UCD) who smashed the National Record (Paul Hession 6.61) running a stunning time of 6.57🤯
And a celebration to match the record 🎉
🥈Oliver Swinney (SDPT)
🥉Gabriel Kehinde (Ennis Track) @Ask123ie pic.twitter.com/BRysReHdic
Mark English also heads to those championships with a pep in his step after winning his ninth Irish Indoor title at 800 metres.
The 29-year-old fended off a strong final lap challenge from Annalee AC's Roland Surlis to win in a time of 1.52:47.
The Finn Valley athlete has one more race in Madrid next Wednesday before tapering down for the Europeans in Istanbul.
Jack Raftery (Donore Harriers) made no secret of his intentions this weekend and the 21-year-old delivered on his promise to take the 400m title in a championship record time of 46.37.
The women's 400 metre title was won in a gun-to-tape run by Sophie Becker in 53.11 and she was well clear of Phil Healy.
Both are probably destined for the European Championships where Ireland are also likely to have a women's 4 x 400 metres relay team.
Elsewhere there were national titles for Sarah Leahy at 60 metres, Iseult O'Donnell at 800, Carla Sweeney at 1500, Cheryl Nolan at 3000 while Eoin Pierce took the men's 1500 metres title.
In an absorbing long jump duel, Elizabeth Ndudi pipped Ruby Millet on countback with a final round effort of six metres and 28 centimetres.
