Gallagher up against odds
HE OVERCAME a trip across the country, intermittent bouts of pancreatitis and cerebral palsy but nothing could stop Thomas Gallagher from winning a maiden Coolangatta Gold shortcourse title.
Perth-based Gallagher represents City of Perth but will move to the Gold Coast permanently in January in a bid to bolster his ironman career.
The 19-year-old has made frequent trips across the coun- try to train with Currumbin and honed his preparations for the Gold with the Vikings, where he will link with head coach Michael King early next year.
A first-time competitor in the 21km event, Gallagher stuck with the leaders in the opening ski paddle before pushing his advantage in the swim.
“I knew if I had a good ski paddle I’d be up the front but you never know with surf at the end of the day,” Gallagher said. “I just went into the front pack on the ski and worked the swim.”
Gallagher was a convincing winner of the open division in his first time over the trip, crossing the line in 2hr 19min 29sec, ahead of Zak Van Dartel (2:27.50) and Chris Boult (2:28.01).
Gallagher, who suffers recurring pancreatitis and cerebral palsy, was able to push through the 21km course without being bothered by the painful condition.