Brendan Boyce – Athletics

Few Irish athletes remain more committed, particularly in such a gruelling event. He made his first major appearance back in 2011, and also qualified for London 2012 where he finished a respectable 29th. Also coached by Rob Heffernan, his best of 3:48:55 looks primed for improvement, although the technique of the tall man from Donegal can cause problems, as disqualification at last summer’s World Championships proved. Boyce finished 16th at the 2014 Europeans and that sort of finishing position looks possible in Rio, although the heat may well be a factor.