Athletics: Gary Ryan stood next to the barrier of the Mardyke track, the sweat on his face diluted by rain, his heart still racing. Moments earlier he'd kicked that barrier in frustration. Two fine sprint victories, and yet still he hasn't found what he's looking for.

The wet track and the cool chill had added to his task, so it was hardly surprising when his 20.78 seconds winning time over 200 metres fell short of the 20.59 needed for Athens. Earlier, Ryan had won the 100 metres in 10.35, equalling the Irish record held by Paul Brizzel. But with the Irish deadline for Olympic qualification closed as of midnight on Saturday, it seemed like the end of the road.

But only yesterday came the first test of that deadline. At a meeting in California, Nicky Sweeney - already a veteran of three Olympics - threw the discus 64.12 metres, just beyond the 64 metres needed for Athens.

Sweeney (38), who has a best of 67.89 from five years ago, came out of retirement this season with that goal in mind and should now find himself selected.

Ryan meanwhile is chasing his third Olympics. "Things have been coming together the last week or so," said the 32-year-old. "June was almost totally written off because of injury. And I just haven't had the bit of luck. But I think I tried too hard today, especially because of the conditions."

Ryan will press on regardless, hoping the Olympic Council of Ireland might still see some sense in his quest. "It's more about my own pride now. I've worked very hard for it, and at this stage of my career I want to deliver on the things that I should have done in the past.

"I've spent a lot of money, a lot of time, and a lot of effort trying to do things right. And I will still prepare for the next few weeks with Athens on my mind.

"But the fact is the standards are ridiculously high now, and if someone achieves it, I think we should be rewarding them. Otherwise what's the point of the sport? You may as well shoot it dead, and let the Tim Montgomerys of the world take it over."

Ryan was pressed hard for the 200-metre win by Paul Hession, another of the half dozen or so athletes still within touching distance of qualification.

But the 400 metre hopefuls aren't enjoying the best of times, with Rob Daly's 47.29 when taking third well short of the 45.55 needed. And at another meeting, in San Sebastian, Gareth Turnbull (1,500 metres) and Karen Shinkins (400 metres) fell well short of their desired times.

So for now then, the number of Irish athletes heading to Athens stands at 14 - with the team due to be named on Wednesday.