Robert Heffernan

Robert Heffernan (born 28 February 1978 in Cork City) is an Irish race walker. Having been seen as one of Ireland's best hopes of an athletics medal at the 2008 Olympic Games, he came eighth in the 20km Walk. His wife Marian Andrews is also national women's 400 metres champion and was on the Irish women's team that finished 4th in the European indoors. On 27 July 2010, Heffernan finished fourth in the 20 km walk, in a time of 1:21:00 (only 11 seconds away from a bronze medal).[1] He also finished 4th in the 50km walk in a national record time of 3:45:30.This was an amazing achievement due to the fact it was just 3 days after the 20 km event.

Performance at major championships

Year Competition Venue Position Event Notes
Representing  Ireland
2000 European Race Walking Cup Eisenhüttenstadt, Germany 18th 20 km
—
Olympic Games Sydney, Australia 28th 20 km
2001 European Race Walking Cup Dudince, Slovakia 17th 20 km 1:23:57
World Championships Edmonton, Canada 14th 20 km
2002 European Championships Munich, Germany 8th 20 km
2004 Olympic Games Athens, Greece — 20 km DSQ
2005 World Championships Helsinki, Finland — 20 km DSQ
2007 World Championships Osaka, Japan 6th 20 km
2008 Olympic Games Beijing, PR China 8th 20 km
2009 European Race Walking Cup Metz, France 4th 20 km
World Championships Berlin, Germany 15th 20 km
2010 European Championships Barcelona, Spain 4th 20 km
4th 50 km

References

  1. ^ O'Riordan, Ian (2010-07-28). "So near and yet so far for gallant Heffernan". The Irish Times (Irish Times Trust). http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/sport/2010/0728/1224275614348.html. Retrieved 2010-07-28.