Darren just misses out on podium place after a great effort in decathlon
VETERAN Halton athlete Darren Scott narrowly missed out on a medal when he finished a creditable fourth in the M45 decathlon at the World Masters Athletics Championships in Spain.
Darren, 49, a fitness instructor at The Heath Leisure Suite in Runcorn, was competing in only his fourth competitive decathlon after winning the UK Masters decathlon title in the M45 category at Sheffield in July.
He was one of more than 8,000 athletes taking part in the World Championships in Malaga.
The athlete, renowned for his achievements as a world-class Masters’ sprinter, had set himself a new goal to compete in the 10-discipline event and had hoped for a top-six finish. ●
Reflecting on his efforts, he said: “After eight events I was in third place with a bronze medal in sight but ultimately I came fourth and just missed out on a podium finish.
“My aim was to get into the top-six so I am thrilled with the result especially as I am very much a novice at this event.
“The winner Michael Hoffer from Sweden is a decathlon specialist and European champion who is also three years younger than me.”
Now Darren plans to revert back to his own specialism, the Masters 200m, where he holds the world record in both the M40 and M45 categories.
He continued: “Next year I move up to the M50 division and my aim is to win the M50 world title in Poland in 2019 and beat the M50 world record. It would be fantastic to hold a hat-trick of World 200m Masters’ records in three different categories – and that’s what I will now be focusing all my training on.”
Darren combines his athletics with his role as a fitness instructor at The Heath Business & Technical Park.
Lesley Lunt, The Heath’s sales & marketing manager, said: “We are delighted for Darren. He is such an amazing athlete who is always looking to take on new challenges. He is a fantastic example and an inspiration to everyone who uses our leisure suite.”
Darren only took up athletics when he was 21 and quickly became a top-class 200m sprinter representing Scotland at international level. But when he turned 35 he became eligible for Masters’ competitions where he has taken the world by storm. He currently holds more than 50 club, UK, British, European and world titles competing against athletes who in their heyday have graced tracks at Olympic Games. ● To find out more about the business park and how to join the leisure suite visit the website www.theheath.com