PROFILE - Sean Carolan - NENAGH GUARDIAN SPORTS AWARD WINNER 2020

Nenagh Olympic Athletic Clubs Sean Carolan won two gold medals at the National Junior Track & Field Championships in Santry in September.

In the Discus, he won his first gold with a throw of 44.91m and followed it up later in the day with victory in the Shot Putt with a distance of 14.85m.

To perform at a high level when many training facilities were closed for a number of months was impressive with Sean forced to improvise to ensure he was ready for competition.

“It wasn’t as hard as you might think for me,” he said.

“I had the ability to throw away outside. I have a tarmacadam driveway at home and just throw into the back garden or the field, so I got away with the throws fine and I did well in the All-Ireland’s evidently and that was from the training.

“I could still work on my fitness fine, but it is in the technical events such as sprinting and jumping that was difficult.”

The number of national competitions were curtailed last year but Sean, like any athletes, enjoyed the benefits of it as it allowed him to focus on his training more which led to his success and he hopes the same will happen this summer when competitions hopefully will resume.

“This year has gone better as I am used to the Covid training. I have a gym set up now at home and have adapted better so all things going well come the summer when there are competitions, I am hoping for a good one.

“This summer I’ll have the national seniors and under 23 championships. I would like to retain my national long jump title which I haven’t done in a few years and if I can perform in the throws and compete in my first decathlon this year I would be delighted.”