Irish XC Team Unlikely To Compete At Worlds

Members of the European championship squad apparently have individual racing plans.

Despite the fact that the Irish women’s squad was the fastest at the recent European Cross Country Championships, they aren’t likely to head to Bydgoszcz, Poland to compete in the World Championships.

This news was reported by the Irish Examiner.

“I’m supportive of sending a team but I’m not seeing that collectively at the moment from the athletes,” said Athletics Ireland High Performance Director Kevin Ankrom. “If we are to send a team, I would like to send the best team but the athletes have made individual plans for the year. From a media point of view I know it’s disappointing but from planet me I’m supportive towards their individual goals.”

The individual winner of the European Championships, Fionnuala Britton, said that she would like to lead the team if one were fielded.

Linda Byrne is teammates with Britton and placed eighth last month in Hungary.

“I’ll definitely be available to go as part of a team. If we had a strong team, we’d be right up there,” she said.

For More: Irish Examiner