BY LEE MAGINNIS
THE U18 International Mountain Running Cup in Donovaly, Slovakia produced a new Northern Ireland & Ulster star in Anna McGookin.
The 17 year old Castlerock girl, totally new to the sport, attacked the 6 kilometre course with aplomb, undaunted by 500m of ascent, to claim an amazing bronze medal.
“I am absolutely delighted with how the race went,” she responded.
“I really didn’t expect to come away with a bronze medal. The course itself was definitely challenging.
“As it was an uphill only race, I definitely felt the burn, but I utilised the advice given by my NIMRA coaches, Philip Hodge and Nikki Graham.”
Anna’s trajectory has been steep.
She only began mountain running in March!
This was after joining her club Ballymena and Antrim AC in February.
Alistair Bratten, her coach, encouraged her to try mountain running and she went to the trial for the NI and Ulster U18 team in Tollymore the next month.
She then went on to represent Northern Ireland at the London Mini Marathon in April.
But this latest result has really announced Anna as a contender for major honours. Her next step in the mountains will be to try and make the Irish U20 team for the British and Irish Championships which are to be held in Wales this September.
“This has absolutely been the most memorable race for me,” said Anna. “It’s been a surreal experience and I’ve loved every minute.”
