Sheila Champion

Its a special week this week with a Meet the Runner from Sportsworld legend Sheila Champion! Sheila has a string of national and international masters track and field championships to her name! She is still an active member of the club meeting her clubmates and friends each Sunday at the clubhouse. 

When did you join Sportsworld?

April 1983

Where do you work?

Champion Montessori School

What is your favourite club session?

Sprint Sessions

What is your favorite race distance?

Full marathon 26 miles

My Favourite place to train/compete is?

Sportsworlds Bushy Park and Santry stadium

What is your target for the next year?

Keep my feet & body over ground!!!

What is your best Sportsworld memory?

Simply meeting friends.

What international events have you ran?      

I have run the Berlin, Boston and New York marathons.

I came 3rd and 2nd in the Pole vault at the European and World Championships.

I also competed at the Javlin in the World Championships in Finland.                                                                                                        

I finished 3rd in the Steeplechase at the World Championships in Buffalo.

And I came 1st in the race walk at the European Championships in Poland.

What do you like doing when you don’t run?

I like going out for walks

How/When did you start your adventure with running?

It all started with joining Sportsworld in 1983

Tell us about your PB’s / What is your biggest achievement?

Apart from athletics, I was also a Leinster Champion in Tennis, Pitt & Putt and Table Tennis. I also won many Irish Championships in Table Tennis.

How often do you run / What is your typical weekly mileage?

I AM 80!

What would you say is the best thing about being in a Running Club?

Friends

What made you join a Running Club?

I wanted to run with other ladies at the time.

What was your first day at the Club like?

Good!

Is there anything you would like to see more of or less of at the Club?

Nope!

Who is the person in the club who inspires/drives to run better?

Maebh and Jo

Do you do any cross training / other sports on a regular basis?

I play pitch & putt, I go walking and I enjoy evenings out at the theatre and dinner.

I also make use of my free bus pass with trips to Belfast, Cork and Galway!

Sportsworld 1988 – Shiela is in the front row – 4th from right