Thomas Chamney selected for the Olympics

Thomas Chamney Selected for the Olympics

Clonmel Athletic Club officials received great news on Monday morning last when it was announced that former club athlete Thomas Chamney, now competing for Crusaders had been selected for the Olympics in the 800m. Thomas has been running well of late and only recently ran 1 min 46.06 secs to be marginally outside the Olympic qualifying time of 1 min 46 secs. He came back on Saturday to compete in the All Ireland 800m in Santry. He ran the fastest qualifying time when qualifying for the final. In the Final it was a tactical race between himself and David Campbell who was also trying to qualifying for the Olympics. In a great race he ran a brilliant race to win in 1 mins 50.73 secs to be crowned National Champion. During the day word went around that the Athletic Association of Ireland would put forward some athletes who like Thomas had achieved the B standard for the Olympics. In such a case a country can only put forward one athlete for an event and having won the National title, Thomas ‘s name was put forward.

Then later in the evening Thomas Chamney received the news that brought a tear to his Mum and Dad’s eyes. While out having a meal with his family and his closest and biggest supporters, Josephine, John and his sister Sarah, Thomas got a telephone call. He left the table to take the call, as all good gentlemen would do; Mum thought it was a No at first as he walked away without any sign of delight. Seconds later he popped his head around the doorway to give the thumbs up... he got it! The restaurant momentarily erupted from the Chamney’s corner as a lifetime dream had just been realised.

Thomas has competed for years and has always given his athletics 110%. In fourth year at school he decided a stint in Spain to train with some of their elite would be the type of work experience he needed. While others in his class took up positions at solicitors firms, accountant practices and the like Thomas packed his bags and grafted on the track with Reyes Estevez to mention but one. His work ethic and focus has always been admirable. University years could have been spent home in Ireland dabbling in athletics while living the good life in Temple Bar or Reds but he decided the US would be best for his running. South Bend Illinois was the place, Notre Dame the University. 2 years there saw great improvement, and then came another huge move which again showed his self belief and his ambition to make it to the top. Tom took a year out from college to train full time. He tried things that would benefit his running, altitude training stints, specific weights programs, warm weather training camps. He had a great year and returned to finish his college degree.

College done moving into Olympic year was next. Thomas decided having run the B standard in '07 that a crack at the A and a ticket to Beijing was worth a go. While most class mates went to work, starting on 40 or 50,000 dollars he took to the roads, trails and fields to log the miles and chase his dream. 'Believe' was the motto for the year which he has portrayed on his website madra08 and believe he did.

On behalf of everyone involved in athletics and indeed in all sports i would like to wish Thomas the very best in the Olympics in Beijing

The Clogheen 5K road race

This very popular race takes place on Thursday 30^th July at 8 pm. This year’s race is once again sponsored by Elvery’s Sport Clonmel. The full list of prizes is as follow: Senior Men – 1^st 5, Master men – 1^st 2 0/40. 0/45, 0/50, 1^st 0/55, 1^st 0/60 and 1^st 3 Junior men. The Prizes for the Ladies race is as follows: 1^st 3 Senior Ladies, 1^st 2 ladies 0/35, 1^st 2 0/40 and 1^st Junior Lady. There will also be a prize for the 1^st Local man and Lady. There will be Spot Prizes for down the field finishers and the entry fee is €8. Tea and refreshments will be served after the race. Entries will be taken in the local Community Hall.

Last year’s race was won by David Tobin of Thurles Crokes in 16 mins 26 secs with Shane Mullaney 2^nd in 16 mins 34 secs and Danny Smith of Ballynonty 3^rd in 16 mins 44 secs. The Ladies race was won by Sinead Crotty of West Waterford in 18 mins 14 secs with Kealey Tideswell of Clonmel 2^nd in 19 mins 58 secs with Aine Roche of Clonmel 3^rd in 20 mins 30 secs.