David Kenny geared up for his Tokyo bid by earning the silver medal in the European under-23 championships in Tallinn today - Ireland’s first ever race walk medal at that level.
The Farranmore Maine Valley AC competitor was superb in coming in second in a time of 1.25.50 - a personal best - behind winner José Manuel Perez of Spain in 1:25:06 in the Men's 20k Walk.
The Robert Heffernan trained athlete sat comfortably on the shoulder of the leader in second place at the 10k mark and maintained his position to claim the historic silver, which is Ireland's ninth medal at these championships since it was started in 1997.
The 2019 edition of the championships saw Olympic duo Eilish Flanagan winning silver in the women’s 3,000m steeplechase and Nadia Power bagging a brilliant bronze in the 800m.
Kenny has been in flying form this season and will now quickly turn his attention to competing at his first Olympic Games in Tokyo.
Heffernan tweeted: "So proud of my man David Kenny.
"The goal all year was to win a medal at u23 and he’s delivered, I’m so proud of you boy what a historic moment.
"Next stop Olympic Games. I'll enjoy a glass of wine tonight #teamheff #champ."
