15 year-old Louis O’Loughlin takes Dublin Senior 800m title and runs qualifying time for the 2017 European Youth Olympics Festival.

Competing in the Dublin Senior 800m championship race last Wednesday, Louis achieved the qualifying time for the European Youth Olympics Festival to be held in Gyor, Hungary at the end of July, leading from gun to tape to cross the line in 1.55.28, thus dipping inside the qualifying mark of 1.56.

On a balmy evening at the Tallaght Track, the championship race was incorporated in the 5th Dublin Open Graded meeting of the season. Louis was given a favourable middle lane, based on his recent 1.56.50 time when winning the Dublin Under 17 title. He was quickly into the lead and passed the 400m mark in about 56.5 seconds. Holding strong through the third-quarter he kicked on in the home straight to the cheers of his family and club supporters to gain the qualifying time and win his first senior title. A very fine achievement considering that he is still 15 years-old!
Cillian Doherty (1.58.22) of Rathfarnham AC placed 2nd, with James Nolan (2.00.19) of Drogheda & District AC in 3rd place.
Louis will make his debut for the Donore Harriers senior team when he competes in the 800m in the National Track & Field League at Tallaght this Sunday. He will not be daunted by the opposition! Well done this evening Louis!

~ Report by Gerry Naughton