A Derry athlete has been selected to represent Ireland at this year’s IPC European Athletics Championships.
Conor McIlveen will run the 800 and 1500 metres at the official paralympic event in Groseto, Italy, from June 10-16.
The 26-year-old, from Woodbrook, took up track racing less than 18 months ago, but his steady improvement over the last year has caught the eye of the selectors, who phoned him this week with news of his place on the team.
“I’m really buzzing,” the Derry Track Club runner said.
“I represented Ireland at the Cerebral Palsy Games last year, but this is the first time I’ll be competing at international level at an IPC event.”
Conor’s selection for the nine-strong team takes him one step further to his dream of representing Ireland at the Paralympic games in Rio in September.
He said: “I’m hoping to get medals in both events in Grosseto and get another few seconds off my 1500m time.
“I knew if I hadn’t been selected for the Europeans then the chances of getting to Rio were over, so now that I’ve made the team I know that means I’m in still in contention.
“Things are going in the right direction, and hopefully I can impress the selectors next week.”
If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team. Between 9am and 5pm Monday to Sunday please call 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Between 5pm and midnight please call or text 07825 711978. Or you can email john.gill@derrynews.net at any time.