European U18 gold medal for Williams

Athletics

Paul Fitzpatrick

Rising athletics star Thomas Williams’ reputation was boosted further last week when the Kingscourt boy claimed a gold medal for Ireland at the European Athletics U18 Championships in Banska Bystrica, Slovakia.

The 16-year-old was in brilliant form as he won the men’s hammer throw with a throw of 73.95m, comfortably clear of Bulgaria’s Dimo Andreev (72.49m) and Spain’s Magno Llopis (72.48m).

“It’s amazing, I’m so happy,” said Williams.

“My first throw, I was panicked because it nearly went out of the sector but as soon as it got in I was happy enough. It was phenomenal, it was so amazing to hear the (Irish fans) screaming. There were so many people watching me at home. Hopefully I get a good podium picture!”

Thomas’s sister Jade previously won a bronze medal for Ireland at the 2017 European Youth Olympic Festival. Thomas had broken the Irish U18 record three times this year, including a 77.31m throw when winning the Tailteann Games last month.

Williams is now keeping good company; since the European U18 Championships was inaugurated in 2016, he is just the third Irish athlete to win gold, following on from Rhasidat Adeleke (2018, 200m) and Sarah Healy (2018, 800m and 1500m).

Meanwhile, Leona Maguire warmed up for her shot at Olympic glory by making the cut at the CPKC Women's Open in Calgary, Canada. While the Ballyconnell star eventually finished 57th, her final-round 70 was her best score of the tournament and sets her up nicely for Paris, coming as it does just a few weeks after her maiden LPGA Tour triumph in London.

The Women’s golf event at the Olympics tees off on Wednesday, August 7. Both the men’s and women’s fields contain just 60 players and there will be no cut.