Versatile Colbert crowned World champion
GALWAY is home to a new World Champion after Knocknacarra teenager Jack Colbert claimed gold in the shot putt at the IWAS (International Wheelchair and Amputee Sports Federation) World Junior Games in England this week.
It has been a week to remember for Jack – the son of Ger and Jacinta, and older brother to Killian (9) – as he also won silver in the discus, and he just missed out on bronze in the javelin by 20 points, which equates to roughly one centimetre – all coming just one week after he turned 17.
Speaking to City Sport from Stoke Mandeville in England yesterday, where the Games are being held, the teenager said his achievements surpassed all of his expectations, and it is all still sinking in with him.
“I didn’t expect to do so well. I wanted to come and try to set some new personal bests, and to enjoy the experience, so to win two medals and come close to a third has been unbelievable,” said Jack.
What has made his success this week even more astounding is the fact he only took up the three disciplines in the past two years, and is self-taught in each of them.
“I would love to work with a throwing coach,. There are some in Ireland, but none in Galway, so I am basically self-taught. Training is very hard without that guidance, and I would love to work under a coach as I feel I can get even better,” Jack said.
Jack travelled to the Games on Saturday with his father Ger, who is understandably hugely proud of his son’s achievements, and not only in winning medals.
“Jack also played table tennis, and was in a very tough group – he came up against some of the senior members of the English and Italian teams and did really well, he had a great tournament,” Ger said.
Full report in this week's City Tribune.