Just as we eagerly awaited the appearance of Raoul Bradstock, the Artist known as “the Olympic Picasso” in the M55 javelin throw at the World Masters Athletics Championships in Malaga last September, the focus this year will be on two women, also 55-year olds, who are likely to clash in the 1500m in Venice this September.
In the photo Anna Gilshinan congratulates Eva Trost on winning in 1500m at WMAC 2018 in Malaga.
Anna won the bronze medal in 4:40.67sec.(Photo by Alfred Hermes)
Britain’s prolific racer Clare Elms undertook a hectic racing schedule at the World Masters Athletics Indoor Championships in Torun in March, winning the 8km Cross-Country, the 3000m in 10.31.69sec, 1500m 4.54.97sec and ran 2.23.10sec for the silver medal in the 800m. Now as the outdoor season starts, the London-based athlete has quickly set the track ablaze as she raced to a new World W55 1500m Record on 22 April clocking 4.48.65sec.
Just across the Irish Sea, W50 Anne Gilshinan had also returned home triumphantly from Torun after just missing out on victory in her only race, the 1500m, when she lost out to Eva Trost from Germany by only 0.03sec. Eva who had set a Personal Best 2.26.52sec in her 800m victory early in the Championships, ran 4.50.14sec, Anne was rewarded with a Season’s Best time of 4.50.17sec and collected the World silver medal despite being right at the end of her Age Category. The Irishwoman has now moved up to the W55 group and has quickly set about breaking records. At a Meet in the picturesque seaside town of Greystones in Co Wicklow, Anne ran a jaw-dropping 4.45.65sec on 4 May to erase Clare Elms mark.
Anna Gilshinan: “Delighted to set a new world record in the 1500m W55 in a time of 4.45.65 at the Irish milers in Greystones today. .. Fantastic atmosphere and thrilled with all the support I got today form everyone at the meet.”
As entries are now coming in for the Track & Field Championships in Italy, we can look forward to some really exciting races, especially in this Age Group.
Bridget Cushen
May 2019