Kelly Neely crowned double World Champion in Spain!

Masters Athletics World Championships 2018:

Northern Ireland’s Kelly Neely (City of Lisburn AC) picked up three medals as Northern Ireland based athletes joined thousands of fellow veteran competitors at the World Masters Athletics Championships in Malaga, Spain.

The event ran for 12 days, from the 4th September 2018 to the 16th September 2018, covering disciplines up to half marathon distance.

It was the performances of former Vet35 800m World Champion Kelly which stood out.  Now in the Vet40 category, the City of Lisburn AC athlete sealed double gold, leading the way in both the 800m and 1500m.

In the 800m, Kelly clocked a new Irish record of 2:12.74 for 1st place; fellow Irish international Denise Toner (Clones AC) followed in 2:13.86 for 2nd place and the associated silver medal.

Then in the 1500m, Kelly clocked 4:36.35 for 1st place in a closely contested final.

To cap off an excellent competition for the highly respected athlete and coach, there was a final silver in the 4x400m Relay competition.  Here, Kelly lined up alongside familiar faces Denise Toner, Catherine Diver and Maria Dunne as the talented quartet recorded 4:10.80 for 2nd place.

There was a number of other medals for local athletes, including second team in 8k cross country for Mary Mackin and GB & NI team mates Phyllis Hands and Kathryn Morton; second team in half marathon W35 category for Tracey Atkinson and GB & NI team mates Katie White and Catherine Carelton; third team in M55 half marathon for Tommy Hughes and Ireland team mates Paul Moran, Philip O’Doherty and Michael Cornyn; third team in W35 half marathon for NI trio Cathy McCourt, Eimear McCracken and Grainne Keenan, all representing Ireland.

Full results from the Masters Athletics World Championships are available HERE.

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