Mageean begins world championships bid in London
Huge task for Portaferry runner as she competes with planet's best
Portaferry runner Ciara Mageean will pit herself against some of the planet’s best when she takes part in the World Championships later today.
Mageean (25) the only athlete from Northern Ireland in the tournament, which is being held in London.
She will take part in Heat One of the 1,500 metres around along with Olympic and world record 800-metre runner, Caster Semenya.
The South African woman intends to attempt an 800m/1,500m double over the coming 10 days.
Mageean who races for Team Ireland, will have to finish in the top six to reach the semi-finals.
But it is a daunting task for her. She will also have to contend with reigning World champion and world record holder Genzebe Dibaba from Ethiopia and reigning European champion Angelika Cichocka from Poland.
The championships will be the end of an era for two of the world’s best-ever athletes.
Usain Bolt is set to retire after running the 100 metres and the 4 x 4 relay events while Mo Farah is giving up track events