European Indoor Championships: Mark English forced to withdraw due to illness

Mark English has been forced to pull out of the European Indoors Athletics Championships in Istanbul.

The two-time Indoor European medallist has been ruled out through illness.

In statement, English said: “I came here in great shape, but unfortunately I’m not in a position to do myself justice.”

John Fitzsimons, of Co Kildare, finished forth in his round 1 heat for the 800 metre event. A time of 1 minute 49.36 seconds wasn't enough for him to qualify for Saturday's semi-final.

First of the Irish on Track, John Fitzsimons takes 4th position. Unfortunately in such a tough heat, it won't be enough to see him through to the 800m Semi-Final on Saturday

Well done John