Cragg delivers triple treat

ATHLETICS/News: With yet another remarkable display of talent Alistair Cragg produced the highlight of the weekend's American collegiate athletics, winning three titles at the South Eastern Conference championships in Mississippi - in probably the most demanding three events of all.

In the space of three days, Cragg first won the 10,000 metres, then his 1,500 metres heat and final, and finished with a third title over 5,000 metres. They weren't cakewalks either, with his 10,000 metres win coming in 28 minutes 46.64 seconds, and his 1,500 metres in a quick 3:40.18. Only the 5,000 metres could be deemed tactical, which he won in 14:08.77.

It was the single biggest contribution that Cragg has made to his college, the University of Arkansas, and was central to them collecting the team title.

The 23-year-old, who two years ago declared for Ireland from his native South Africa, is now favourite to win two of those events - the 5,000 and 10,000 - at the National Collegiate championships, set for Austin Texas on June 9th-12th.

More significantly, Cragg continues to show steady progression towards the Athens Olympics, where he has qualified in the 5,000 metres thanks to his 13:16.98 clocking in California two weeks ago. Despite the obvious threat of burnout before Athens in late August, these collegiate titles clearly aren't taking much out of him, although he ran the 5,000 metres, despite the team title already being secured by Arkansas.

"Winning three titles was not what I came here to do," he said afterwards. "It was nice, but our goal was the team title. If anything I felt more relaxed because I knew everyone was working as a team."

In nearby Atlanta, three other Irish athletes continued their quest for Olympic qualification at the Georgia Tech Invitational and, while falling short, the signs remain encouraging.

Gary Ryan clocked 21.02 in his section of the 200 metres, though still short of the 20.59 needed for Athens. Karen Shinkins ran 52.15 in the 400 metres, but needs 51.50, while Peter Coghlan was further off still in the 110 metre hurdles when running 13.97.

Two athletes who have qualified for Athens - Sonia O'Sullivan and Cathal Lombard - will be back in action on Saturday at the Great Manchester 10km Road Race. For O'Sullivan it promises to be her final road race ahead of the 5,000 metres at the Olympics, and it should provide another useful test.

Ethiopia's Berhane Adere and Australia's Benita Johnson will be the athletes to beat, although both of those are concentrating on the 10,000 metres in Athens.

For Lombard, Manchester will be the first race since his outstanding Irish record of 27:33.52 set for the same distance on the track earlier this month. Among those he'll have for company is world marathon record-holder Paul Tergat of Kenya.

Meanwhile, Athletics Ireland (AAI) have confirmed they have begun the search for a new national track and field coach to replace Paddy McGrattan, who has stepped down. The process will be discussed at the next meeting of the AAI executive and it's possible that applicants from outside Ireland will be considered.