Brian Fay took a brilliant 16th place in the World Championship 5,000m in a stacked round one heat.
Mohamed Katir of Spain won out in 13:35.90. Fay posting 13:42:86 for 16th place. The top eight qualified for the final.
Speaking to media after the race, the Dubliner, who was with the leading pack until an injection of pace with 600 meters to go, said:
“It just didn’t really work out in my favour” explained Fay who had led the pack until the final 600m.
“I sat in for the first three or four kilometres and then the last kilometre came and I just didn’t have the legs to put myself up there and hold on”.
“It’s disappointing because I’ve proved that I can run fast this season, but I just need to be a little bit more competitive when it comes to the championship races”.
“I’ve loads to take from these championships” added Fay. “It’s a learning curve and it’s great to be a part of such a strong field, but I’d hope to be more competitive on the world stage going forward”.
“That’s the goal, but if you’d told me that I’d run at the world championships and break the Irish 5000m record this season, then I’d have to be happy with that.
“I was expecting more this week, but I’ll look to use the experience and hit the two championships well next year”.
“You have to accept where you’re at and just call a spade a spade, I just wasn’t good enough to be in the final.
“Goal for Paris next year is to be able to compete, not just be there.
Really good race breakdown from @brianfay98.#TeamIreland #WorldAthleticsChamps @WillDalton01 pic.twitter.com/1UljvefNrL
— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) August 24, 2023
