Special welcome home for Olympic hero Emma

John O'Malley, Dunboyne AC PRO

On Wednesday 28th June, club members and the wider community gathered to welcome Emma Costello, a member of Dunboyne Athletic Club and Navan Special Olympics club back to our track in Dunboyne.

Emma was part of the Irish Special Olympics team for the World Games held in Berlin, from 17th to 25th June, where she won a gold medal for the 400M and a silver medal for the long jump.

Emma had visited the local primary school earlier that day, where she signed autographs for the excited school children. Some of those students were also with us at the Athletic club, but this time to cheer on their coach Emma, because, along with her own training, she also helps to coach our club's juvenile athletes.

Emma’s club coaches spoke of her dedication and commitment to training. She has listened to directions and learned wisdom right through her training block for these games. This was evident as she stuck to her ‘race plan’ in the 400m final.

A steady start where the other athletes powered ahead gave Emma the edge knowing that she had what it takes to finish out the race in style.

Even though she is relatively new to long jump, her persistence of getting it right paid off.

Club chairman, Phelim Glynn told Emma how proud the club was of her, and her achievements in the World Games. Both Emma and her mum (Siobhan) were presented with flowers.

Emma’s dad and brother (John and Eoin) and Katie (Emma’s best friend and club member) and her mum Mary attended. They had travelled to Berlin to the games to support Emma.

As the crowd left the Athletic Club smiling and happy on this great occasion, although still exhausted after Berlin, Emma’s Fit4Youth group was happy that she joined them for their last training session before the summer break. A true measure of our amazing athlete.

* PHOTOS BELOW SHOW EMMA COSTELLO WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY