from AAI Following a blistering run at the Bislet Games in Oslo last Friday, Thomas Chamney of Crusaders AC has confirmed that he will defend his 800m National title at the Woodie’s DIY Senior Track and Field Championships of Ireland on the 2nd of August. Chamney finished third at the Golden League meet in 1:45.41, an agonizing one hundredth outside the A qualifying for the World Championships in Berlin. Chamney, who proudly wear his Crusaders Club singlet, said ‘I was disappointed to be so close to the qualifying time but I was pleased to have set a personal best especially as my training has been focused on the 1500m.’ In an impressive show by Ireland’s middle distance elite, David Campbell of St.Coco’s AC placed fourth in 1:45.59. Commenting on the race Campbell said ‘I was happy with the time but I made a few tactical errors.’ Both Chamney and Campbell are chasing the A qualifying standard for the 800m and 1500m for the World Championships in Berlin.
Chamney and Campbell have had some absorbing battles over the 800 meters in the past. Previous Senior Track and Field championships have seen Chamney come out the better with him claiming the title in 2008 and 2006. Campbell however claimed a unique double in 2007 taking the 800m and 1500m title. Chamney, who admits there is a very healthy rivalry himself and Campbell, is adamant that he will defend his 800m title. Campbell who has not yet decided whether he will compete in the 1500m or 800m, will be targeting a win over Chamney but ‘my focus right now is on achieving an A standard for the World Championships and performing well there.’ We can expect more fireworks if the pair go head to head in the 800m at the Woodies’ Senior Track and Field Championships of Ireland.
Chamney and Campbell have a number of races lined up around Europe before the Woodies’ Senior Track and Field Championships of Ireland. Both athletes have said that the Irish Record is not on their radar. However their performance on Friday which moved them to third and fourth respectively in the All-time rankings lists indicates that David Matthew’s record of 1.44.82 set back in 1995 could be under threat during the coming weeks.