Tiernan wins nod in early Games bonus
ATHLETICS: It is the email Commonwealth athletes dream of receiving and yesterday it proved a game-changer for Toowoomba endurance runner Patrick Tiernan.
Tiernan has clinched a 10,0000-metres starting spot at this year’s Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast after receiving official confirmation of his selection in an email yesterday morning from Australian Team Chef de Mission Steve Moneghetti.
The 23-year-old is one of 14 confirmed Australian Athletics Team starters named this week by Commonwealth Games Australia.
The team size will stretch to 111 athletes before the Games get under way on April 4.
“It was a welcome sight amongst my emails this morning,” Tiernan said yesterday from a Fall’s Creek training camp.
“It is a nice relief having my selection confirmed.
“It takes away some of the pressure and it allows me now to focus fully on my 5000-metre race at the national championships on the Gold Coast next month.”
Tiernan considers the 10,000m his strongest event
❝ I believe that is my best shot at a medal.
— Patrick Tiernan
and put forward his case for Commonwealth Games’ selection with a second placing behind fellow Australian Stewart McSewyn at last month’s Zatopek 10 in Melbourne where he was the defending champion.
But he is now looking to lock in a second Games starting spot with a strong performance in the 5000-metre event at the Australian titles.
“I’d love to have a go at both events at the Games, and it is still a definite possibility,” Tiernan said.
“But my priority remains the 10,000 metres.
“I believe that is my best shot at a medal. I do think I can run well.”
Tiernan is looking to continue his Games build up on Queensland soil, including Toowoomba, later this month.
“I’m in Fall’s Creek at the moment doing some altitude training,” Tiernan said.
“But I plan to return home at the end of January to step up my preparations.”