Dundalk's O'Connor on course for Commonwealth gold after first day
Kate O’Connor is in pole position after a brilliant opening day in Glasgow
Dundalk athlete Kate O'Connor holds on to an overnight lead at the Commonwealth Games heptathlon after winning her 200m race in torrential rain at Scotstoun Stadium, Glasgow.
Having slipped to second overall following the shot put, O'Connor responded in style and stormed to victory in her 200m heat in 24.14 seconds.
The impressive run lifted the St. Gerards AC athlete back to the top of the standings ahead of England's Jade O'Dowda, and Australia's Mia Scerri in third.
Earlier in the evening events, O'Connor battled through heavy rain in the shot put to record a best throw of 12.93m from her opening attempt to finish fifth in the event.
Her second and third throws of 12.80m and 12.85m left her frustrated as O'Dowda leapfrogged her in top spot. O'Connor's impressive finish to day one leaves her firmly on course in her bid for Commonwealth gold.
The 25-year-old has three events remaining on Wednesday with the long jump first up at 10.05am, followed by the javelin throw at 12.05pm, before the 800m final event at 7.55pm.
Overall standings after four events:
1. Kate O'Connor (NI) 3731
2. Jade O'Dowda (England) 3682
3. Mia Sceeri (Australia) 3560
4. Niamh Emerson (England) 3554
5. Tori West (Australia) 3517
5. Anna McCauley (NI) 3511