Tullamore athlete Ava breaks Irish U23 record in California

Tullamore Harriers Ava O'Connor has broken the Irish U23 running record at the Bryan Clay Invitational at Cougar Stadium in Azusa, California.

Ava's impressive performance in the fastest of eight heats in the 3000m steeplechase is a new national Under 23 record.

She had a time of 9:46.22, which is three seconds faster than the previous record, which was held by Fionnuala McCormack (née Britton) who ran 9.49.20 all the way back in 2006.

Ava raced well tactically and was on record pace throughout the seven and a half lap race.

Her splits early on were for 76 and 77 second laps and though she slowed a bit with a kilometre to go her final lap of 76 seconds secured not only a new national record but also qualifying standards for the European Under 23 Championship’s and the FISU World University Games.

Ava is now set to race in the 1500m today, Friday, April 18.