MASTERFUL SHOWING IN TULLAMORE
The 123.ie National Masters Track and Field Championships provided yet another action-packed day of athletics in Tullamore today (Aug 12th), with over 500 athletes battling it out for national honours in the very changeable weather conditions.
Gemma Thompson (Spartans) W35 was one of the stars of the sprints action, claiming gold in both the 100m (13.03) and 200m (27.03) in another impressive outing for the Derry athlete.
Adina Gheorghiu (Dundrum South Dublin A.C.) W45 had a day to remember, posting the fastest time in both the 100m (12.86) and 200m (26.69). The DSD athlete was pushed all the way in the 200m by Annette Quaid of Leevale (26.88) in one of the finishes of the day.
Peter Wilson M40 (Lagan Valley A.C.) was ultra-impressive in taking the men’s 100m in 11.49, while Rodger Condon M35 (St. Finbarrs A.C.) never looked like being beaten on his way to gold in 24.15 for 200m.
Ger Cremin (An Riocht) M45 continued his winning run over the short hurdles, clocking 16.21 to take the M45 110m title.
The women’s 1500 (W40) was pitched as one of the races of the day and it didn’t disappoint with Fiona Keogh (Kilmore AC) W40 claiming the gold in a winning time of 4:39.46 ahead of rival Dymphna Ryan of DSD who crossed just behind in 4:44.82. Keogh would also go on to take the 800m gold in 2:18.54.
Mary Horgan W35 of Crusaders A.C. put in a blistering 800m to claim the day’s W35 800m title, posting 2:16.07 in an impressive display of championship racing.
James Ledingham (Kilkenny City Harriers A.C.) M35 was the standout 1500m runner on the men’s side, crossing the finish in 4:18.24 to take gold.
Erika Jouzapuite (Blackrock Louth) W40 needed some extra space in her bag heading home having claimed gold in the long jump (5.31m), triple jump (10.11), and high jump (1.40).
Aidan Gillespie impressed in the men’s jump competitions, finishing with a best leap of 5.45m to take gold in the M50 long jump for Rosses A.C.
Olga Nedvede (Dooneen AC) W35 was arguably athlete of the day in Tullamore, amassing gold in the discuss (35.52), javelin (37.71), and shot put (11.82) in what were anything but ideal conditions for the throwers.
John Dwyer M40 (Templemore A.C.) continued to add to his growing medal collection, picking up gold in the discus with a best of 42.45, while also doubling up in the hammer with a best of 50.02.