A CO Donegal athlete was tonight crowned a world champion – after winning the World Masters Indoor 3000metres.
Ciaran Doherty, a runner with Letterkenny AC, powered home in the championships in Finland in 8:37.45 – 15 seconds ahead of his nearest rival from France.
The fisherman from Cruit Island’s incredible gold medal feat is even more remarkable for the fact he only took up serious atheltics in 2008 – at the age of 33.
Now 37, the runner had a fantastic race in Jyväskylä.
Athletics Ireland team development manager Teresa McDaid said everyone was “over the moon to have such a brilliant world champion.”
There is huge delight amongst Letterkenny AC members this weekend – and among members of Naomh Mhuire GAA club where Ciaran was a regular a few years back.
Said Teresa: “It was a very competitive race, with several faster runners going into the race. He got out fast and settled into the race in first k. Conditions inside the stadium were very dry with air-conditioning.
“Ciaran settled back into 5th / 6th place in middle part of the race as he found himself being continuously clipped by the bunched runners around him.
“He made a controlled move going into the last k making his move for home. his last k was strong in a 2.41 split. He passed the runners in front of him just holding off the fast finishing French athlete to take the title.
“This adds to his 3k steeplechase outdoor masters title in Sacramento last year, along with his bronze medal from national seniors in July.
“I was speaking to Ciaran after the race, he was delighted to win and gave a 100% . He was accompanied to the race by his father Joseph.”
Ciaran is pictured above with Donegal athletics legend Danny McDaid.
His result from the race is below:
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