Longford's Cian McPhillips can win medal if he continues with rich form says dad

Cian McPhillips will be in the 'shake-up' for a medal at the World Athletics Championships if he matches the high level of his two previous runs, according to his proud dad Paddy.

There is huge anticipation as the talented local athlete prepares to compete for a medal for Ireland and Longford in Saturday's Men's 800m final in Tokyo and his father believes he is in a good place to challenge for a podium place.

The Ardagh native won his semi-final on Thursday in sensational style to qualify for his first ever World final as he broke the national record while finishing in an impressive time of 1:43.18 seconds.

Paddy said that himself, wife Laura and Cian's sister Sarah watched the previous two races at home -with mum Laura opting not to watch it live and instead watching it afterwards once she has been informed of the result.

Paddy said he was more nervous during Cian's first heat than watching him race in the semi-final as he knew there was an expectation and a target of reaching the semi-final, however, once at that stage the pressure was off to a certain degree.

Paddy said he watched both races with daughter Sarah and as Cian came around the corner and stormed to victory they were both left 'speechless' such was the nervous energy and emotions.

The family have been regular contact with Cian to congratulate him and offer him support and encouragement in recent days and Paddy said Cian seems happy and focused.

"We spoke to him yesterday [Thursday] around 4pm, but 4pm in Ireland is 12-midnight in Tokyo.

"So he was heading back to the hotel to have a shower and get some food.

"Today (Friday) it's all about recovery.

"He'll be getting a massage and he'll be going for a gentle jog I'd say and they'll probably be talking, himself and his coach Joe Ryan will be talking about how they will run the race and stuff like that.

"He doesn't need us to be texting him or asking him how he is or anything like that.

"We just leave him be."

Paddy said unsung heroes are Cian's his coach Joe and he stated that the other person who probably does not get enough attention or recognition is Martina McCarthy, his S&C coach and his speed coach.

"When you look at Cian over the last 70-80 metres, his mechanics actually are better than any of the other athletes that he's finishing alongside in that his head is not rolling, he's upright and his shoulders are not hunched."

Paddy said there is great excitement locally and they are receiving lots of support.

He recalled how he was in a shop in Drumlish on Thursday and lots of people were offering their well-wishes and saying best of luck.

"It's lovely when people do that."

Cian attended Ardagh NS and Moyne Community School where there has been a carnival atmosphere in recent days according to Paddy, who teaches in the secondary school.

"I obviously came home yesterday to watch the race but I think the whole school watched it and I think there was a fantastic atmosphere around the school.

"I saw a couple of videos of the celebrations and the kids certainly enjoyed it."

Cian joined Longford AC as a youngster and he won a host of medals with them and he has also achieved notable success with UCD AC and his friends and coaches.

Paddy said there is an unknown element in relation to Cian running three big races in five days and it is impossible to know how much it took out of him until he has to go to the well in the final.

He stated on paper there are other athletes who will be much warmer favourites for medals but races are never won on paper, however, he is optimistic Cian can strongly challenge for a medal.

"I think if Cian runs to the level he ran in the two previous races he will be in the shake-up for a medal."

Paddy, Laura and Sarah will watch the final from the comfort of home again.

The vast majority of people in county Longford will be glued to their TV screens on Saturday afternoon and willing Cian on to make it a hat trick of sensational runs and take a precious medal home.

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