2012 European Champion confirmed
Rhys Williams (GBR) is a confirmed starter for the 400 hurdles at this years Morton Games. Williams is the 2012 European champion. In fact he has the complete set of European championship medals, winning bronze in 2006, silver in 2010 and gold in Helsinki in 2012.
The Welshman is a son of legendary Welsh rugby international J.J. Williams. He competed at the London 2012 Olympic Games. Although currently a little shy of his best with an SB of 51.24 he has world championship qualifying time very much in mind. He will undoubtedly be a challenge to Ireland’s Thomas Barr with a 48.84 PB in his armoury.
The 400 hurdles will get the Morton Games off to another rip roaring start with the starters gun due to be fired at 7.10 p.m. The strong advice, therefore, to the Dublin public is to get to the Morton Stadium on Friday fortnight early.
Athletes from near and far to challenge Proper
There will be a strong international challenge to Irish favourite Kelly Proper in the AON Women’s International 200. Confirmed for Morton Games are Samantha Edwards (Antigua and Barbuda). The New York based athlete, who runs for New Balance Central Park track club has been running exceptionally well over both 400 and 200 in recent weeks and last month posted PBs over both distances of 52.82 and 23.38 respectively.
Also confirmed is her New Balance CPTC club-mate Ashley Kelly (BVI). Another athlete who has posted fine PBs in recent times, a 23.36 200 PB was recorded on the 28th of June to match her one lap PB of 52.71.
From the United States, on her second visit to Morton Games, is Cleo Van Buren. Cleo is an athlete with a long and distinguished pedigree boasting a PB of 22.88. She was 2nd at last years Morton Games over 100 and at this weeks Cork City Sports won the 100 in 11.71 and placed 4th in the 400.
Amy Allcock makes the trip from across the water with a PB of 23.79.
All will mount a serious challenge to Ferrybank’s Kelly Proper. Kelly is of course a multi-time Irish champion who has been in fine form over her favoured 200 distance and recently recorded 23.24 in Sweden in a + 2.0 wind. Also confirmed for July 24th are top Irish sprinters Steph Creaner and Niamh Whelan.
www.mortongames.ie has all latest news from Dublin`s International Track & Field.