Eileen O'Keeffe's participation in Monday's Olympic hammer qualifying rounds remains in some doubt after she suffered an injury setback at training.
O'Keeffe arrived in Beijing on Thursday night complaining of some discomfort in her knee, for which she is currently receiving treatment.
The Kilkenny woman's preparations for her first Olympics have been hampered by a knee cartilage injury, although she has been throwing well this week under the supervision of coach Dave Fagan.
She sustained the slight knock during the latter stages of the Irish team's ten-day training camp in Matsue, Japan.
But team manager Patsy McGonagle remains hopeful that the eight-time Irish hammer champion will be fit enough to throw on Monday.
McGonagle explained: 'Eileen had what would appear to be just a slight setback while training in Matsue prior to her departure for Beijing.
‘It's a setback and we are monitoring the situation carefully. On the positive side she had a good work-out in the gym this morning (Friday) and that was very encouraging.
‘At this stage I cannot say how serious it is but the fact that she does not compete until Monday gives us a bit of a window and three days to work on it.’
