European Masters Athletics Non Stadia Championships 2024 (17th to 19th May)

Sean McMullin travelled as part of a 9-strong Irish masters team to the Portuguese island of Porto Santo, north of Madeira, to compete at the European Masters Athletics Non Stadia Championships. The events include the road, or “non stadium”, events of 10k, half marathon, cross country relay and race walking, with Sean entered in the race walks.

In warm but tolerable conditions on Friday morning 17th May, Sean competed in the 10k Walk. Despite being hampered with a niggling problem in his right knee, he was still good enough to finish third, though he would normally beat the Italian man who came second by over a minute, but Sean was still satisfied to win the European bronze medal in his master category. Returning for the longer 20k Walk on Sunday morning 19th May, Sean had to fight fatigue from the 10k only two days before and dig deep as the temperatures climbed and maintain his form and focus under the watchful eyes of the judges but despite an early warning from the judges, he prevailed to win and claim the European title, a wonderful result for a dedicated master athlete [GD].