Then there is MarkEnglish, the Donegal runner who has just endured the kindest and cruellest of seasons in one go – and is perhaps experiencing some existential despair of his own.READ MORE ... Cian McPhillips (left) and Mark English.
But McPhillips was once again undaunted, the 23-year-old from Longford moving to the front down the homestretch to take the victory, breaking 1.44 for the first time, improving the Irish record of 1.43.37 set by MarkEnglish last month.
MarkEnglish believes he is in the best shape of his life as he bids to reach the final of the 800m at the World Athletics Championships... "I'm coming into this championships in the best shape of my life," English told RTÉSport.
Cian McPhillips and MarkEnglish have already set some firsts in getting through to Thursday’s semi-finals (1.45pm Irish time) ...Ireland's Mark English in the men's 800m heats ... Mark English; 1.53pm.