European u/23 T&F 2025 (20th July)

Matthew Glennon lined up with the top up and coming racewalking talent in Europe at the European u/23 T&F in Bergen (Norway), on Sunday morning 20th July, competing in the 10,000m Race Walk. In very warm conditions with no protection from the approaching midday sun, Matthew had to rely on his pre-planned and well-rehearsed cooling strategy perfected in training sessions in the weeks leading up to the Championships. Taking the opening laps cautiously helped him to cope and maintain a controlled pacing strategy well into the race, and this strategy also kept his technique up to the high standards demanded by the top International judges. However, in the latter stages as the tough conditions took their toll on him, Matthew fought to maintain focus and battled on bravely to reach the finish line in 25th place out of the 33 athletes competing, in a time of 44:47.96, a season’s best time and a time that many would be proud to be able to even run. While Matthew would have aimed for higher, it was nonetheless a very brave performance in tough conditions rarely encountered at home and he will have learned much as he aims for elite level Senior Championships [ML].