McCormack determined to bounce back
Disappointing run in Slovakia
DESPITE a disappointing 12th placed finish at the European Cross County Championships, Kilcoole’s Fionualla McCormack has already vowed to improve on her next showing.
33-year old McCormack crossed the line in Slovakia in 12th position, a full minute behind the Ken yan-born Turkish athlete Yasemin Can who defended her title.
It was the first time in six years that the Co. Wicklow athlete failed to make the top six.
It was her record 15th Championship but it was far from her best as she finished outside the top six for the first time since 2011.
In those six years, she claimed gold twice.
While the race may have ended in a gloomy fashion for McCormack, by competing on Sunday she became the most capped female Irish athlete of all-time and is now the second most capped athlete since 1876.
McCormack surpassed Sonia O’Sullivan and now only Terry McHugh, a former javelin star, can boast more caps than her.
Speaking about Sunday’s race, McCormack was downbeat but not beaten.
“Obviously I would have liked to have finished higher but I will be back and hope to get back in the mix.
“I just couldn’t get into it today at the top even though I gave my best throughout.”