Turin - Day 2
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If your name is Mc Gettigan and you are from the Kilmacrenan area and further more if you are related to Roisin Mc Gettigan you should be so proud. What a run here from the girl now based in Rhode Island having completed her studies in Providence College just inches away in 4th. A phenomenal run. Sure when you get that close you are seriously disappointed 4th is such a bitch of a place to end up no matter what level you run. Her reaction clearly dissapointed. Gave Ray Treacy her coach a call, you could feel his reaction thousands of miles away. Got on the mobile to Highland, its great to be able to share your feelings, it's a kind of therapy. Boy o boy what a run.
Kelly Proper 7th in long jump final a little down made it very clear to her that she has just had a fabulous championship. Her coaches Brid and Alan Golden are here. This girl will qualify for worlds in Berlin and so the learning goes on towards Barcelona in 2010 and onwards to London 2012.
A spectator here is olympic walker Colin Griffin whose training base is just 40 miles away. What a committment he has given in pursuit of the perfect race. The media coverage back at home has to be so positive as the athletes have performed out of their skin . Personal bests, seasons best, finals, semis, a medal , drama sure where would you get it. The story continues tomorrow when I leave the hotel at local time with Mary and Deirdre. How will that story unfold. Keep in touch. Kieran has some mighty photos.
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Its mighty when a young girl from a few miles up the road impacts at this level. Today it was Mary Cullen from the other side of Bundoran winning so impressively and controlled in her heat of 3k and now the speculation begins can she medal. Tactics will be vital a strong pace to run out the Spaniard,Russian and Turk. Lets see, the main thing she is in there feels good with a 8.55 this morning and by her side Deirdre qualifying a big pb just misssing out on dipping under the magic 9 minutes. They were both so relaxed on the walk from the hotel and controlling that in that vital period is so important. It takes so much experience to get to that position to gain that confidence - years. Smiles all round, a certain calmness and eat and back to hotel to prepare for evening session. The hotel is 10 minutes walk the weather is pleasant and good to walk rather than a bus journey. So we walk. Paul is in semi of 60m but Niamh Whelan a young Univ. of Limerick athlete and Ailis Mc Sweeney a solicitor working in Dublin are out. Deirdre Ryan went over 1-85 but needed a clearer no faults approach on the way up through the heights to progress. She now has moved to Germany to train and broke the national record earlier.
Athletes on this team in this sport acheive,fail whatever but there is one theme - they give it everything for a period in their life - a daily exercise a lifestyle that is clear and commits and you then get to rub shoulders with the best in Europe in March 2009 in what was formerly the venue for the winter olympics. That's it now take a break.
Patsy mc Gonagle
Manager
Pictures by Kieran Carlin.
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