Rose-Anne Galligan Finishes 7th in the IAAF World Track and Field Championships in Moscow

Ireland's Rose-Anne Galligan (Newbridge AC) finished in seventh place in heat two of the 800m on day six of the IAAF World Track and Field Championships in Moscow, Russia. A day after Rob Heffernan's historic gold medal in the 50km Walk, Galligan was hoping to use this as inspiration to secure a spot in the 800m semi-finals.

The early pace was set by Alysia Johnson Montano of the USA going through the bell in a swift 57.02 seconds. Galligan was running a sensible race sitting off the early fast pace in eight position. The second lap was inevitable a lot slower as the athletes started to come back to Galligan. However despite her best efforts she couldn't manage to get on terms with the leaders and finished in seventh place in a time of 2:02.05. Montano, the early leader held on to win the race in a time of 1:59.47.

2013 has been an encouraging season for Galligan representing Ireland at both the European Indoor and World Outdoor Championships. The year also saw her break Sonia O'Sullivan's 800m national record with a time of 2:00.58 at the London Diamond League meeting in July. This performance and the experience from running at these World Championships will stand to Galligan for next years European Championships in Zurich.

Ireland's final competitor at these championships will be Paul Pollock (Annadale Striders) who goes in the marathon on Saturday, 18th of August at 12.30.