The World Indoor Championships took place last weekend in the O2 Universum Hall, Prague, Czech Republic. The event was a combination of the World and European Indoor Championships, giving competitors a chance to win two titles. Over 2000 athletes from 60 countries competed and Team Ireland was represented by 21 athletes in various events throughout the weekend.
Kenny McDonald of Shannon RC had a hugely successful weekend, picking up two World Gold Medals and two European Gold medals by winning the LM 50-54 2000m and 500m. Paul Gallen of Athlone BC also secured a Gold in the 2000m LM70-74 with a time of 7:15.2 and a Silver in the 500m with a time of 1:33.9.
The World Record holder Denis Crowley of Commercial RC was successful in winning the LM 60-64 category with a time of 6:46.0 for the 2000m race. Kilmacabea RC’s Lucy O’Brien won World Silver medals and Gold European medals in the LW55-59 with a time of 7:57.0 over the 2000m race and 1:44.6 in the 500m race.
The mixed relay team of Brendan Wall, Christine Fanning, Alan Prendergast, and Hannah McMahon won a European Silver in the 2000m race. Albert Maher of Commercial RC competed remotely and won a Bronze World medal in the M50-54 2000m. Philip Healy also picked up a World and European Bronze in the LM50-54 2000m and 500m.
Congratulations to all athletes who competed!
World Medal Count:
- 4 Gold, 3 Silver, and 2 Bronze
European Medal Count:
- 6 Gold, 2 Silver, and 2 Bronze
