I attended a fantastic talk Thursday evening in MTU Cork with David Gillick to promote his recently published book, ‘The Race’. It looks at one of Ireland’s most successful 400m runners as he shares the inside story of life on the athletics track.
After his competitive days, he took over the role as the go-to-man for major athletic events as the TV analyst who was first to meet the competitors soon after they finished.
His guests on the night were Derval O’Rourke and Rob Heffernan who brought some unique insights and their own level of Cork charm. Thank you both, brilliant as always.
I am a fan of David Gillick, I admired him as a runner and he is still the Irish 400M record holder since 2009. I honestly think he is the best I have ever seen to handle athletes after they finish an event as a TV pundit. His sensitivity, insightfulness, sympathy, empathy means he can get some beautiful and emotional interviews. Never change the channel until David has done his interview.
He had it all, I thought, but nothing could be further from the truth. The book looks at the struggle mentally and physically to stay at the top and what it means to be world class in a brutally competitive environment. Some highs but deep lows, constant pressure to perform, constant doubting himself, lack of professional back up to help him cope mentally and what all this toll has exerted on him.
Fascinating story from one of our finest athletes. Thanks for taking the time to share your life with us. I would recommend anyone to read the book.
* What can we learn from it all.
No one has it completely sorted, we all have our doubts, short comings, demons in our head.
Never judge anyone else as we have no idea what is going on with them.
Most of the pressure on us to perform is self inflicted.
* What can we do about it.
Be kind to ourselves and others.
Ask for help if you need it.
Open up and let others in.
Be grateful every day for your health and the friendship of fellow runners.
Thankfully listening to David last night it is good to hear he has come to terms with life and embracing the future. We are grateful he took the time to write this book as a personal insight into his life and maybe learn something from it. He is back running for fun and the sheer enjoyment of it.
Thanks to the Irish Athletic Supporters’ Club and Seamas for hosting this great event.
Extract from the book. - Ultimately, I do it not for rewards or attention, medals or money, but the sheer thrill of pushing myself. Running is a cornerstone of my physical and mental well-being.
Nothing more for me to add. Have a lovely weekend.
#pwr David Gillick
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