Three Gold Medals

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A LEIGH man has just returned from Poland after scooping three gold medals in the world Masters Athletics Championships.

Allan long, 80, received gold medals in the 60-meter sprint, 200-meter sprint, and the mixed relay, in the 80 to 85 categories. He also scooped a silver medal for triple jump in the same category.

Mr long, who has lived in Leigh for 10 years after relocating form South London, is a relative newcomer to training and fitness.

He said: “To be part of this festival of sport with well in excess of 4000 athletes from over 100 countries was an amazing experience.”

Although he completed a few marathons in his late 30s, it was not until he joined the Hern Hill Harriers in his 70th decade that he began to take part in championships.

His first outing to the Masters in Poland was in 2019, and then since then he has been training steadily but surely, making sure he goes for a run along the seafront or up to Leigh station steps at least five times a week.

He said: “when I started running them, the Leigh stairs used to be quite difficult. I now manage to go all the way without stopping, but I do have a problem with lactic acid at the top.” he laughed.

Commenting on his recent impressive success he said: “I was obviously very pleased. I never thought I’d be able to get three gold medals, but I must admit I did enter the competition with some confidence, as I know I’ve been training consistently.”

Mr long admits that the scenery of the Thames estuary that Leigh offers is a real galvanising effect for his training along Chalkwell Esplanade: “I absolutely love it here. I wish I’d moved here sooner. It’s got something for everybody, and I love being by the estuary.”

Up next to for is the outdoor European Masters Championships held in Pescara, Italy, this September. Watch this space.

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A LEIGH man has just returned from Poland after scooping three gold medals in the world Masters Athletics Championships.

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