Nick Griggs breaks four-minute mile at Mary Peters Track
The Tyrone man recorded an impressive 3.55.87 at the British Milers Meeting, which was just outside his own Irish U23 record.
The Irish age group champion had a tortuous six months period when a serious leg injury sidelined him following his silver medal in December's U22 European Cross Country.
Despite the heavy rain, Griggs assiduously followed the pacemaker to pass the halfway mark on course to a fine time.
The 20 year-old's finishing time was over four seconds faster than his four minute objective and nearly five seconds ahead of second placed Andrew McGill of Cambuslang ( 4.00.43 ) followed by Dublin's Philip Marron (4.00.44).
This is an impressive start to Griggs comeback campaign where a possible Irish selection for the Tokyo World Championships in September cannot be ruled out .
There were a host of personal best times with a small team of Australian athletes leading the throng.
This included Victoria's Hamish Donohue who had the fastest 800 metres time of the day with a 1.48.58 followed by teammate Max Shervington (1.49.00). Not to be outdone another Aussie Zoe Toland was close to her PB to take the 3,000 metres in 9.17.84. Runner up was Belgrave's Grace Richardson in just under nine minutes and 19 seconds.
Ireland got the better of Australia in the 800 metres when Alex Neill of Providence College was a clear winner in a PB of 2. 02.50 ahead of teammate Emma Moore (2.03.54) and Australian Rebekah Newton (2.04.43) .
Sale's Thomas Moran took eight seconds off his 3,000 metres best time to win in 8.02.35 just ahead of Gifford's Oliver MacDonald (8.03.90). Dundrum's Eimear Maher took the 1,500 metres in 4.13.33 .
Fastest 400 metres athletes were David Ryan (47.50 secs) and Joe Doddy (47.84 secs).
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