The Peterborough Evening Telegraph
Reidy is the best all-round male athlete to come out of the city
Budding young Peterborough athletes in search of a role model need look no further than the versatile and loyal Peterborough Nene Valley stalwart Sean Reidy.
Best known as a 400m hurdler, Reidy has always dabbled in other events. Now aged 38 he can justifiably claim to be the best all-round male athlete to come out of Peterborough.
Despite never quite making the big time, Reidy has been a major force in the British hurdling world throughout his career, and has stayed loyal to Nene Valley Harriers who he joined as a teenager.
In his 20s Reidy was living and working in London and joined top outfit Belgrave Harriers to test himself against the best, but he would still also race for Nene Valley.
“I wasn’t good as a youngster,” Reidy said. “And I was told to run middle distance and do some combined events, as I’d never be outstanding in an individual sprint race. Doing a mix of activities is a great way to start as you test all your physical systems. I never specialised until I was 18, which is late for a hurdler, and I never ended up in environments that could improve me.”
A key moment for Reidy came when he started training with club coach Tim Needham. The partnership has remained intact for 20 years.
“Tim was the only person who saw potential in me,” Reidy added. “He saw I lacked power and speed and overall conditioning. He laid the foundations and built me into the athlete I am today, and took me to a high level nationally.
“I also benefited from Ray Church’s enthusiasm and wealth of knowledge. Mick Gaylor was my first coach and he taught me some fundamentals that are still ingrained in the way I train today.
“My teammate Adam Fidgett has also been invaluable.He would ring up race organisers and talk me into high quality fields in order for me to raise my game! I’d go to races and run my heart out because it felt like I shouldn’t be there.
“Sometimes I’d even win against lads who were full time or international athletes. Ultimately I ran 52.87 and was ranked 21st in the UK at my peak.”