McGettigan claims win in London

Roisin McGettigan claimed an impressive victory in London

Irish steeplechaser Roisin McGettigan continued her preparations for the Olympic Games with an impressive win at the London Grand Prix.

McGettigan was rewarded for pushing the pace in the final two laps as she took victory in 9:33.76sec.

She broke the three-year-old Crystal Palace stadium record after finishing well clear of Ancuta Bobocel (9:37.45) and Korine Hinds (9:40.02).

Paul Hession is among the Irish in action on Saturday at the London meet.

"I was very comfortable and feeling good," said last year's world finalist McGettigan after her win.

"I am itching for some faster times but it is nice to get a win."

McGettigan, whose personal best is 9:28.29, added: "I came here to be competitive and aiming to win. Thankfully, it worked out."

Fionnuala Britton and Una English placed eighth and 11th with times of 9:45.82 and 10:09.63.

Hession's opponents in Saturday's 200m will include world 100m record holder Usain Bolt plus Americans Wallace Spearmon and Rodney Martin.

Irish hammer thrower Eileen O'Keeffe has suffered an injury scare

"The more you run against these guys, the more experience it gives you for the championships," said Hession.

He added: "Overall, things are going well for me. I'm enjoying training and the races are going to plan. It's all guns blazing for Beijing."

Hession is regarded as an outside best for a place in the 200m final in Beijing although he will probably need to improve his Irish record of 20.30 to achieve that feat.

His season best of 20.48sec at Olso's Golden League last month makes him the second quickest European, behind France's Eddy De Lepine (20.47).

Meanwhile, Irish hammer thrower Eileen O'Keeffe has been hit by a knee injury ahead of the Beijing Games.

O'Keeffe was forced to miss Friday's Morton Memorial meeting in Santry and she has been forced to take an anti-inflammatory injection which required clearance from the IAAF.

The Kilkenny woman, who finished sixth in last year's World Championships, is scheduled to depart for China next Friday.

O'Keeffe showed good form last Sunday as she went beyond 70 metres on four occasions and retained her national title with a best throw of 72.75m.