Flying Fionnuala clocks personal best
THE Britton family and members of Kilcoole Athletics Club gathered in The Grove Bar last Sunday to watch local woman Fionnuala McCormack (née Britton) achieve a personal best in the marathon at Rio 2016.
McCormack, who now lives in Wicklow town, came a remarkable 20th in a field of over 150 competitors, around 30 of which failed to finish.
‘Going into a marathon, to get a PB is a big ask,’ said her father Eoin, who said he is ‘ thrilled’ at her achievement.
Fionnuala ran the course in 2:31:22, slicing minutes off her previous best of 2:33:15 set in 2015.
‘All anyone can do is reach their potential. Run to their potential, box to their potential – whatever it may be,’ said Eoin.
He and his wife Ellen knew they wouldn’t see much of Fionnuala on-screen last weekend, so we’re delighted to see her three times during the race and they got to see her cross the finish line.
‘It’s a great honour and wonderful to see her come over the line,’ he said. He said that sport reflects life. Athletes try to perform to their best ability, with good days and bad days. ‘We spoke to her very briefly last night [Sunday],’ said Eoin, speaking on Monday. ‘She was very upbeat and delighted,’ he said. ‘She did everything right,’ he said. ‘She came through from the back. If you’re passing people, it’s a great place to be.’
Fionnuala’s husband Alan was there alongside the athlete, as a member of her coaching team. Her brother Mark also went out to Rio to support her. She also has two sisters, Mary and fellow-athlete Úna, all of whom are brimming with pride.
The temperature on Sunday reached a high of about 30 degrees. This didn’t phase McCormack. ‘She has run very well in the heat before,’ said Eoin.
Fionnuala started running at the age of seven. ‘She just loves running and that’s absolutely genuine,’ said Eoin, who said she has always loved all sorts of sports, including hockey, camogie and badminton. Fionnuala will return home with Team Ireland next week.