Clarke powers to fifth finish at Worlds
Seamus Clarke of Moy Valley AC set yet another Irish record when finishing fifth in the 5000m walk at the World U20 Athletics Championships in the USA on Saturday. Picture: Sam Barnes/Sportsfile
There truly was a world class performance by Mayo’s Seamus Clarke on Saturday as he finished fifth in the 5000m race walk at the World Under 20 Championships in Eugene, Oregon, USA. The young Ballina man started conservatively before powering through the field in the latter stages of the race to cross the line in a new Irish record time of 19:28.
The Moy Valley AC member has been on an upward trajectory for the past few years, including winning silver at the European Under 18 Championships. However, Saturday’s performance was at a global level and a top five finish would suggest that Seamus can set lofty ambitions for himself for the coming years as he balances his athletic preparation with college life in University of Limerick.
Seamus is coached by his mother (and Moy Valley coach), former Olympian Deirdre Gallagher who participated at the Atlanta Olympics 30 years ago. Communicating afterwards, Deirdre was delighted for Seamus, appreciating the meticulous preparation he put in this year in particular.
It was a great day for the entire Clarke family as Seamus’ father James and sister Aisling made the long journey to America to see him compete.
