Brian Gregans displays of running in the past
week in the World Junior Championships in Bydgoszcz, Poland proved he
has the class to match the best in the World over the ultimate 400m
sprint distance.
Despite a very intensive week of competition, comprising 3 races over
the ultimate 400m sprint distance he showed great guts and determination
and commitment throughout each stage. After demolishing the field in the
heats he went on to take second place in his semi-final behind the
German runner Niklas Zender, recording an excellent time of 46.88 in the
process, which was remarkable considering the very wet conditions on
Tuesday evening last.
Lining up for the final on Thursday evening
last he remained very focussed and committed to the task of running
another big race and didn’t disappoint with another powerful display
which carried him across the finish line in fifth place, breaking the
Irish Junior record for the distance with a time of 46.60.
Unfortunately, the meet officials alleged he had crossed the running at
some point during the race and despite an appeal by the Irish team
officials to disqualification, the decision for the lane infringement
was upheld. Although the decision of the officials was a disappointment
on the night, there is no doubt, Brian will continue to make further
progress and line up in the Irish singlet in major International
competition in the not too distant future.
Brian later featured on the Irish 4X400m relay squad which smashed the
Irish Junior record. Unfortunately their combined time of 3.10.17 which
saw them finish 4th in their head was just outside the qualifying time
for the final.
