Chamney Beijing Bound

Thomas Chamney received the news that brought a tear to his Mum and Dads eyes. After winning the National 800m Championship yesterday in Santry his name was put forward by AAI to be selected to represent Ireland at the Olympic Games in Beijing. A quick decision was made and Thomas got a call last night while having dinner with his closest and biggest supporters, Jo, John and Sarah. He left the table to take the call, as all good gentlemen would do, Mum thought it wasa No at first as he walked away without any sign of delight. Seconds later he popped his head around the doorway to give the thumbs up... he got it! The restaurant momentarily errupted from the Chamney corner as a lifetime dream had just been realised.

Thomas has competed for years and has always given his athletics 110%. In fourth year at school he decided a stint in Spain to train with some of their elite would be the type of work experience he needed. While others in his class took up positions at solicitors firms, accountant practices and the like Thomas packed his bags and grafted on the track with Reyes Estevez to mention but one. His work ethic and focus has always been admirable. University years could have been spent home in Ireland dabbling in athletics while living the good life in Temple Bar or Reds but he decided the US would be best for his running. South Bend Illinois was the place, Notre Dame the University. 2 years there saw great improvement, then came another huge move which again showed his self belief and his ambition to make it to the top. Tom took a year out form college to train full time. He tried thing s that would benfit his running, altitude training stints, specific weights programs, warm weather training camps. He had a great year and returnedto finish his college degree.

College done moving into Olympic year was next. Thomas decided having run the B standard in '07 that a crack at the A and a ticket to Beijing was worth a go. While most class mates went to work, starting on 40 or 50,000 dollars he took to the roads, trails and fields to log the miles and chase his dream. 'Believe' was the motto for the year which he has portrayed on his website madra08 and believe he did.

Thomas best of luck from all the Crusaders. We can't wait to see you in live that dream in Beijing.

"Brilliant. So happy not just for him for his parents too" Michael McGovern

"Holy Sh1t. He mus t be Buzzing" Simon Kenny

"Thats Fantastic. tell him Congrats from us" Eugene & Catherine O'Neill

"Thats Fantastic, give him our best wishes. Josephine won't sleep for the next month" Susan Walsh

"Animal!!! Say Congrats" Alan O'Brien