Joe Gough named European Middle Distance Athlete of the year 2018

For the first time ever, an Irish Athlete has been awarded European Middle Distance Athlete of the year.  Joe Gough, West Waterford AC has been given this award from the European Masters Association after a fantastic year winning 4 gold medals at indoor and outdoor championships.

Summary of his achievements:

Joe Gough, world record holder M60 (indoor, 800m), won the 800 meters at the World Masters Athletic Championships in Malaga in what was a new European record time (2.16.37) and he also won the 1500m meters. At the EMACI (European indoors)  in Madrid, last March  he won gold at the 800m and also 1500m

Joe Gough (M65, IRE)

International record in 2018

800m (2:16.37) –  European Record – Malaga

World Champion and European Champion in 2018

Indoor: 800m         (2:22.36 ), 1500m (5:05.16) – European Champion in Madrid

Outdoor: 800m (2:16.37, ER), 1500m (4:49.63) – World Champion in Malaga

Additions

As early as 2016, Joe Gough was one of the fastest M60-800m runners in the world. Therefore, he was invited to the IAAF World Indoor Championships in Portland, Oregon, for the (world best) men’s over-60 800 meters. The then 63-year-old Joe Gough from Ireland entered the final straightaway with a narrow lead over Great Britain’s David Wilcox. Gough’s finishing kick ultimately fell a few meters short, as his legs gave out before the finish line. Wilcox won the race in a time of 2:15.90. Gough finished second in 2:16.01.