DCU students shine in Shenzhen

By Dwayne Leavy

DCU’s Brian Gregan narrowly missed out on medalling at the World University Games when he finished fifth in the Men’s 400m final.

Despite Gregan running 45.96 seconds, he was beaten to the bronze medal by Australian Sean Rowe who finished just 0.03s ahead.

Gregan started the race extremely well and kept pace with the leaders through the first 200m. However a disappointing bend saw him slip down the field and he was left with too much to do entering the home straight. The Sports Science and Health Student’s time in Shenzhen China was a personal best (PB) and was the first time he broke the 45 second barrier. He had qualified for the final in a time of 46s (another PB at the time) finishing first in his very competitive semi-final.

“I wasn’t feeling my best today but came out focused and set a new personal best so I am really happy with that,” said Gregan.

“I ran as hard as I could and to be with three other guys who also set PBs is a race to be proud of.” Kouroush Foroughi finished 9th in the High Jump Final after he cleared 2.18m. Foroughi equalled his PB in the semi-final when he cleared 2.20m.

The Star of the Sea athlete produced two big jumps under immense pressure in qualifying when he cleared his third and final attempt at both 2.18m and 2.20m to ensure his qualification for the final.

In swimming Karl Burdis finished sixth in his heat in the 100m Butterfly with a time of 56.02. Burdis placed 13th in the 50m Butterfly final finishing with a time of 26.27. It was the highest ever ranking for Irish swimming with Burdis setting a new PB in the process.

Laura Reynolds and Darren McBrearty also represented DCU in the games. Although Ireland did not pick up any medals at the games it was a success for the team with numerous personal and Irish records falling in the sweltering Shenzhen heat.

Earlier in the season Gregan won the silver medal in the EuropeanU- 23 championships in Ostrava, Czech Republic. At the time Gregan ran a PB of 46.12 and was only 0.02s behind the winner. Kouroush Foroughi also qualified for the high jump final Ostrava finishing inside the top 10.