A total of 28 Irish Masters athletes are set to compete at the World Masters Athletics Championships in Daegu, South Korea, which take place from August 22nd to September 3rd.
More than 7,000 athletes from 106 countries will compete across the championships, with competitors ranging from 35 years of age right through to 106-year-old Sawang Janpram of Thailand, who is entered in the shot put, discus and javelin.
Among the first Irish athletes in action will be John MacDermott (Sligo AC). The 81-year-old will compete in the M80 decathlon and heads into the championships as one of Ireland’s leading medal prospects, with the world record also potentially within reach based on his current form.
MacDermott, who won 800m gold and 200m silver at the European Masters Indoor Championships in Toruń earlier this year, is also set to contest the 400m and 200m hurdles in Daegu.
Ireland will have a number of other strong medal prospects across the championships.
Edel Maguire (Clonliffe Harriers) will contest the W65 100m, 200m, 400m and high jump. Maguire enjoyed an outstanding European Masters Indoor Championships earlier this year, winning five gold medals and one silver.
Chris Sibanda (Clonliffe Harriers) will line up in the M35 100m and 200m, while Sean McMullin (Mullingar Harriers) is set for a busy programme in the M80 race walks, competing over 5,000m on the track as well as the 10km and 20km road events.
Rachel Murphy (Plant Based AC) will compete across four events in the W40 category, taking on the 8km cross country, 800m, 1500m and 5,000m.
Anne Gormley will serve as Team Manager for the Irish contingent, with Ian Egan travelling as team physio.
The championships get underway on Saturday, August 22nd, with Irish athletes set for action throughout the 13 days of competition.
