Sophie Becker Among Irish Athletes Set For Action In Belgium Today

A large Irish contingent is set to compete at this evening's meeting in Nivelles, Belgium, with twenty athletes spread across the sprints, hurdles, middle distance and field events.

Like several athletics meetings taking place across continental Europe this weekend, the programme has been modified due to the exceptional heatwave affecting much of the region. While a number of meetings have already been cancelled, organisers in Nivelles have opted to proceed with an adjusted schedule.

Among the more recognisable Irish names in action is Sophie Becker, who lines up in the women's 200m. The Raheny Shamrock athlete was part of Ireland's European Championship silver medal winning women's 4x400m relay team in Rome in 2024 and continues to build speed ahead of the latter stages of the season.

Kelly McGrory is scheduled to make her long awaited return in the women's 400m hurdles. The Olympian has not raced for almost 11 months after injury and will be making her first appearance since last summer. McGrory is the 2023 Irish senior outdoor 400m champion and was entered for last week's meeting in Oordegem but did not ultimately compete.

Another athlete to watch is Fintan Dewhirst, who goes in the men's 400m hurdles. The Irishman clocked a personal best of 50.77 in Malta earlier this month, moving to sixth on the Irish all time list and set a national lead at the time. Since then, his brother has lowered the Irish season's lead to 50.51, giving Dewhirst extra motivation as he looks to respond with another fast performance.

In the men's 800m, Jack O'Leary continues what has already been an encouraging outdoor campaign. He claimed victory at the MAS 5K road race in Berlin in May before running 7:52.39 for fourth place over 3000m at the Meeting de Marseille. He now drops back to two laps in Belgium.

There are plenty of other Irish athletes in action across the programme, including promising Galwegian Orlaith Mannion, with the full Irish entry list available in the start lists below.

🇧🇪 Immobel Infinity EAP Meeting Nivelles

⏰ 6:30pm - 🏃 Sophie Becker - Women's 200m
⏰ 7:00pm - 🏃 Kelly McGrory - Women's 400m Hurdles
⏰ 7:15pm - 🏃 Fintan Dewhirst - Men's 400m Hurdles
⏰ 9:10pm - 🏃 Jack O'Leary - Men's 800m

*Full list available by clicking startlist and searching for Ireland

Please note: The start lists below are provisional and subject to change. Withdrawals are common at meetings of this nature, and with the ongoing heatwave across continental Europe, some athletes may ultimately decide not to compete.

📄 Starting List
📺 Watch Live
📊 Results

We wish all the Irish athletes in action the very best as they take to the track this today in Belgium.