MEET OR ATHLETES.....HARRY PURCELL
Currently one of the best 400 men in the country. He was schools 400 and 800 champ before heading to Villanova. National titles followed and international vests. Right now he is looking forward to Tokyo 2020 in 2021

1.When did you start running?

I started the sport when I was 17. I come from a GAA and rugby background.

2. When did you join Trim AC ?

I joined permanently in 2013.

3.Why do you run ?

To win, I can’t get enough of it. Nothing in world beats the feeling of kicking off that top bend and passing by all the other competitors to grab it on the line.

4.Favourite event, race or competition?

NCAA indoor championships

5. Have you any pre event routine apart from your warmup ?

I always put my right shoe on first. Apart from that I don’t have pre event routine.

6. Favourite type of training. ?

I love pre competition sessions. So 3x300m off 5-6 mins. 36,35,34s. Another favorite session of mine would be 8x200m off 2-3 mins, in 24/23s. If I can hit these times pretty comfortably I know I’m ready to go.

7.Who is your athletics hero ?

Chairman of the Boards...Eamonn Coughlan, looking back on his indoor WR gives me goosebumps every time. I was fortunate enough to have him as my coach while I was in school, he stills remains a close friend of mine and a great mentor. Now that I have moved primarily to the 400m another hero of mine is Michael Johnson, he epitomized the word consistent. An all time great! I love watching back on his old races looking at race patterns.

8. What is your best memory from the sport ?

- I have two that really stand out to me. My double at the Irish Schools Championships in 2014. I broke the record and ran 1:49 for the first time over 800m. An hour later followed it up by winning the 400m in 47 seconds just grabbing it on the line. I think anyone that’s ever competed at the Irish schools will agree that it’s one of the best meets of the year , unbelievable atmosphere!

My other would be competing at the 2015 European indoor championships in Prague. The final of the 4x400m was the last event of the weekend. We walked out from the call room and onto the track to be greeted by the roar of over 20,000 spectators. The Czechs were in the race so the arena was absolutely electric. That was my first real taste of international athletics, it’s moments like that make you want to put in the hard training.

9. What motivates you to train ?

The Olympics. Over the past few years I have shown glimpse of what I’m capable of, but unfortunately I have had some pretty serious injuries through the years that have held me back. I made a promise to myself last April that I wouldn’t allow myself to suffer another big injury. Thankfully all is going well and building nicely towards Tokyo next summer.

10. What aspect of the sport gives you satisfaction ?

Running on relays. When you do well it’s great to be able to share that moment with fellow competitors and coaches.

11. How important is group training to you ?

It’s essential, showing up everyday and having a laugh with my training partners takes the edge off what can be a very demanding and intense sport.

12. Has the sport influenced life in general ?

The sport has taught me great habits that will last a life time.

13 . Have you a favourite meal before or after events ?

Not really to be honest, as long as it’s not a mushroom I’ll be grand.

14. What motivates you to go training on a wet and windy day

I actually enjoy the challenge of doing sessions in the wind and rain. Now don’t get me wrong there have been days when it’s the last thing I want to be doing. But overall I feel it makes you stronger mentally.


15. What advice would you give a new member ?

If you ever find it tough getting through winter training just break the year down and focus on it week by week. Slowly start building up and before you know it’s race day! Another piece of advice would be to trust your coach ! Most importantly believe in yourself and have fun.