PATIENCE NEEDED WITH RISING STARS
IN A small country it is very easy to get over-excited by success at the European Athletics U-18 Championships in Hungary, where Irish teenagers won an unprecedented four medals.
But the manner in which Blackrock AC’s Sarah Healy (17) dominated her 1500m/3,000m golden double was seriously impressive.
Almost as impressive was Tallaght AC’s Rhasidat Adeleke winning the 200m given that she is only 15, was ranked fifth, and lowered her PB from 23.85s to 23.52s.
Sophie O’Sullivan was ranked second in the 800m and matched it with a really gutsy finish to take silver and it was lovely to see her revered mum Sonia asked to present the medals for her event. But there’s a huge jump in standard from European to World standards and from youth (U-18) to junior (U-20), let alone to senior.
People should not over-burden them with expectations – but one thing that would help fulfil their promise is increased government funding for these athletes and their coaches.