Heartbreak for Hession

Date Published: 30-Aug-2007

IN the end, it was down to just one-fifth of a second. A creditable performance by Galway athlete Paul Hession in Wednesday’s World Championships semi-final fell just short of what was required for the Athenry native to reach the 200 metre final.

Hession looked strong as he rounded the bend, behind race winner Tyson Gay (USA), and was still in contention for a top four finish — which would have guaranteed his place in the final — coming down the final straight in Osaka, Japan.

Gay, who was chasing a sprint double in Osaka, romped home ahead of the rest of the field to finish in exactly 20 seconds and will be among the firm favourites to win the gold medal.

The Galway sprinter equalled the time of 20.50 he registered in winning Tuesday night’s quarter-final, but needed something special, to virtually equal his personal best time of 20.30, if he was to reach the final.

Hession gave his best and did not disappoint, but found the strength of the opposition was just too much. He did not fade on the home stretch, but the athletes ahead of him just pulled away.

He ended up…..