Heffernan Walks to Olympic Glory

Rob Heffernan crosses the finish line

Some people say that 50km is a long way to drive.  In some ways it's true but to Corks' Rob Heffernan it's a leisurely stroll.  Competing at his fourth Olympics he went out all guns blazing to try and claim a medal for Ireland. 

Entering the final 10km Rob was down in the chasing pack with three Russians and two Chinese out in front blazing a trail to the finish line.  It was here at the 40km mark that Heffernan turned on the afterburners and gave chase to the leaders.

With 5km to go Heffernan had moved up to 5th place and was hot on the tail of the third placed athlete.  The crowd were going wild and Heffernan was loving every second of it as he continued to gain ground.  The race leaders to their credit lifted their own pace and managed to keep Heffernans charge at bay as he fought his own battle in the closing stages for fourth place with Russias' Igor Erokhin.

It was a case of the agony and the ecstacy for Heffernan on the finish line and another of Irelands great 'Moral Victories'.  He grabbed fourth place with new Irish record but finished an agonising 30 seconds away from an Olympic Medal.  A heroic effort from a true Irish sporting hero.