On Tuesday, IAU general secretary Hilary Walker, the world top female ultra runner for much of the 1980s and 1990s, reiterated that the international governing body would be unable to allow Kane to represent her country in the team competition because of IAAF rules.
“We have been in touch with both Athletics Ireland and the IAAF on this particular query,” the IAU general secretary told BBC Sport Northern Ireland.
“As per the IAAF’s regulations we have advised Athletics Ireland that Sinead can compete on Athletics Ireland’s team but would be unable to score for the team. Athletics Ireland have not submitted Sinead as a member of the team on their entry forms.
“We understand and totally sympathise with Sinead’s situation but we also want to ensure that there is fair and transparent competition for all in our IAU championships. This is the aspiration behind the IAAF regulations which we adhere to.”
The IAU general secretary added that the ultra running governing body plans to “continue discussions with IAAF to find a solution for future championships for instances that do arise for our para-athletes” but this seems set to come too late for the Irishwoman’s hopes of competing in France.
“We have had several championships recently where some of our par-athletes, who can and have competed independently without assistance, have even finished on the podium,” added the IAU official.
