The changes means that the new ‘A’ standard for the men’s marathon will be 2.15.00, the women’s marathon will be 2.37.00 and the 50K race walk will be 4.00.00.
This decision follows consultation with Athletics Ireland, who had recently proposed higher qualification standards for these events.
Dermot Henihan, Chef de Mission of the Irish Olympic team for Beijing said that the introduction of the new standards would bring Ireland into line with most other countries and would be more ‘athlete friendly’.
“It also means that several aspiring Olympians have a better chance of qualifying for the Beijing Games – and we look forward to having a strong athletics squad as an important part of the Irish team in China”
Patsy McGonagle, team manager of the Irish athletics squad for Beijing commented: ‘We have worked closely and well with the OCI on this matter and very much welcome the changes’
“The OCI’s preparations for the 2008 Games are now moving up a gear – with less than 500 days to the Opening Ceremony”, said Mr. Henihan. “All the Team Manager Designates are now in place, as is the Medical Working Group of doctors, physiotherapists, psychologists and physiologists”
“To date we have arranged four fact-finding visits to Olympic sites in Beijing, Qingdao (sailing) and Hong Kong (equestrian) for the relevant team managers and medical support personnel and are currently assessing and monitoring the situation regarding accommodation, travel, logistics, acclimatisation, site facilities and so on”
“Today’s changes in athletics standards means that the Olympic Council has now completed and agreed final standards with all sports that have the possibility of achieving Olympic qualification”, he said.
