More Medal Glory for Ireland at World Masters Athletics Championships

The Irish contingent continue to deliver at the World Masters Athletics Championships in Gothenburg with stellar performances across multiple events, capturing medals and securing spots in finals. Yesterday, Thursday August 22nd, the Irish talent was on show once again making their mark on the field as well as on the track. 

Rachel Akers reminded everyone what she can do, earning a silver medal in the W35 20lbs Weight Throw with a powerful toss of 15.44 metres. John Dwyer followed suit with another silver, this time in the M40 35lbs Weight Throw, launching the weight 16.07 metres to secure his place on the podium. These silver medals show that Ireland are competing at the very top in field events as well as the track, and both athletes have done their country proud.

In the jumps, Geraldine Finegan showed her talent in the W55 Pole Vault, clearing 2.40 metres to clinch the bronze medal. Her success highlighted the depth of talent within the Irish squad once again.

Team Ireland were well represented in the 400m semi-finals across the age categories, with several athletes qualifying for the finals with impressive performances. In the M80 category, John McDermott led the way, clocking in at 72.69 seconds to finish first in his heat and secure his spot in the final.

The M50 category saw a double victory for Ireland, with Carlton Haddock and Jim Phelan both winning their respective heats with times of 52.39 and 54.02 seconds. Brian Boyce also competed in the M45 category, finishing seventh with a time of 54.82 seconds.

In the women’s 400m, Edel Maguire topped the W65 category with a strong run, finishing first in her heat with a time of 73.20 seconds. Annette Quaid continued Ireland’s winning streak by dominating the W45 category, crossing the line in 59.33 seconds to claim her spot in the final.

The 1500m semi-finals saw Anne Gilshinan deliver a great performance, finishing second in the W60 category with a time of 5:46, ensuring her place in the final. Lea Fulcher also advanced, finishing fourth in the M50 category with a time of 4:30, securing his qualification. Sean McDermott, competing in the same event, finished 13th with a time of 5:21.

Additionally, Richard Phelan finished 11th in the M60 Pole Vault with a clearance of 2.80 metres, and Snezana Betchtina placed 11th in the W40 400m with a time of 1:02.45.

Irish athletes are now poised for further success as the Championships continue. Geraldine Finnegan, fresh off her bronze in the pole vault, will compete in the W55 80m Hurdles final today. 

Stay tuned to Run Republic as we keep you up to date with all the latest from Gothenburg.

Featured Image: Silver Medalists John Dwyer (L) and Rachel Akers (R).