Twice to Athlone in a month is a real treat, so despite the escalated competition from the Leinsters two weeks ago to Nationals this weekend, our track & field athletes took to Athlone International Arena with gusto.
Rosemary started the day with her 60M sprint, and while not medalling this time had a great run coming home in 6th position. Great stuff Rosemary, looking forward to seeing what comes next for you at this distance. Norbert followed in the 60M and despite a bad start in different blocks managed to run a PB of 7.84 finishing 6th overall. Well done Nobby!
Next was Phelim in the 800M who showed us the benefits of his recent emphasis on speed work by simply decimating the competition. Phelim spent most of the four laps in 4th or 5th position but when the final bell rang he simply coasted past the leader group and accelerated fiercely for the remaining 150 meters to come home emphatically ahead of the competition. Congratulations Phelim, this race was a joy to watch.
The Fearsome Four Hundred was next and Keith ran extremely well, the effort clear on his face over the two laps but outside the medals on this outing. This 400M O35 category has seen its times plummet since this competition last year, making this race extremely competitive, so well done Keith, a great effort and more to come from you in the outdoors at this distance.
Meanwhile on the field the Streets were performing in style as usual. Michelle threw 6.75 in the shot putt to win bronze and Chris went on to win silver with a throw of 9.11. Well done both of you! Chris followed this up with the Weights for Distance, throwing 4.61 and winning bronze. Great stuff Michelle and Chris, congratulations!
Emilia ran the 3000M next and put in a very brave performance considering this is her 3rd race in three weeks, including a super 2nd place in Bohermeen half marathon last weekend. In every one of the fifteen laps Emilia gave it everything she had, as always, and won national silver just behind Olympian Pauline Curley – congratulations Emilia!
200’s next and this was Roisin’s race of the day who was out to improve on her time from the Leinsters and improve she did, knocking over a second off to finish in 30.93 and a whisker away from a medal. Next time Roisin! Rosemary’s race followed and she ran a fantastic PB in her 200, pushing around the bends with effort written all over her face but determined to give it absolutely everything, and everything she did with a great time of 36.31. Well done Rosemary!
Michael was next in the 200’s, running very well in his heat, but unfortunately finishing outside the medals, this time. Good going Michael, a great time of 28.45, well done.
Last race of the day was left to Phelim who ran a fantastic 1500M to finish a full ten seconds ahead of his nearest rival in a time of 4.29. Second national gold of the day to Phelim, hats off to you sir!
Plenty of time for anyone interested in competing in track or field to avail of the expert coaching available in the club. Masters categories make this accessible to all of us, and a few weeks training will set you up for the Meath Championship, and the Leinster and national outdoors later in the year. It’s like a sport within a sport – so if you’re interested speak to any one of us – you’ll never know until you try!
Michelle Pilkington Street – shot putt Bronze!
Chris Street, shot putt Silver and weight by distance Bronze!
Phelim Glynn, 800M Gold and 1500M Gold!
Emilia Dan, 3000M Silver!
And great races from Keith Eglington, Rosemary Higgins, Norbert Smith, Michael Cornyn and Roisin Bell.
Outdoors next – bring it on!
