Preparations for Rio haven’t been ideal, a stress reaction in Everard’s foot severely restricting her race schedule. She qualified last summer, but hasn’t come near her best of 2:01.21 this summer, which suggests getting out of her heat will be a major challenge. Still, the part-time physiotherapist, now running in the colours of UCD and coached by James Nolan, has decent championship experience, having made the final of the 2013 European Indoors, and also competed at the World Championships in Beijing last summer, so she won’t feel entirely out of her comfort zone.
Ciara Everard – Athletics
Age: 26. Event: 800m. Hometown: Kilkenny

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