Irishman takes down Horace Grant M60 indoor WR for the 800

Joe (in green) posed with winner Nolan Shaheed and Brit Derek Leitch at 2008 indoor worlds in Clermont, France. (Tom Phillips photo)

Results haven’t been posted, but Europeans are abuzz over the M60 world indoor record for 800 meters set Sunday at the Irish Leinster Indoor Track & Field Championships. The hero is Joe Gough, 61, of West Waterford A.C. His reported time: 2:14.06. It nipped the listed record of 2:14.23 by American Horace Grant. “This was the first World Record to be broken in the Athlone International Arena and Gough’s achievement had on Monday already attracted over 15,000 hits on facebook at home and abroad,” said one report. “This was a terrific performance by the West Waterford runner who has been involved in athletics since age 11. Gough has won a total of 68 national masters titles over the years, 8 European gold medals, 10 British Championships and 2 silver medals at World Masters Championships.” Joe is entered at Budapest worlds and said: “I have received many messages of congratulations on my weekend World Record. I was delighted with my performance and to have set a World Record in Athlone was something very special.”

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February 10, 2014

5 Responses

  1. Levasseur - February 11, 2014

    I can tell you Joe is a strong competitor having run very often in same races.
    But before all he is a nice friendly guy
    Hope to see him again.

    Wish Horace back to take back his record unless Nolan take it 1st but Nolan is soon having 65?

  2. Ken Stone - February 13, 2014

    Eurovets site also shows photo of Joe’s finish:
    http://www.evaa.ch/news-overview/1104-leinster-ire-indoor-championship-2014.html

  3. Nolan Shaheed - February 17, 2014

    Joe is not only a very fast runner but extremely consistent and a true champion. He already held the European indoor record and had run 2:14 three times last year.
    Very difficult to beat.

    Congratulations Joe.

  4. Sid Howard - February 18, 2014

    congrats Joe, hope to see you in Budapest

  5. Geraldine Finegan - February 19, 2014

    Well done joe well deserved world record to a great guy who has it all looks personality style and speed. Great for Irish athletics proud to be there on the day racing in Athlone along side world legends

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