Tipperary sprinter Katie Bergin shines again to land fantastic 60m three-in-a-row

The National Junior & U/23 Indoor Track & Field championships were held in Athlone on Saturday last and Moyne's Katie Bergin was setting about defending the 60m and 200m titles won in 2023 as well as aiming to complete the three in a row National Indoor 60m victories first won in 2022. Showing remarkable character, she did so in style.

The championships showcase the best of underage athletes from the four corners of Ireland and the cream rose to the top on a weekend when four National Records were set. It was an early start for all concerned that morning as the first 60m heat was timed for 10am.

Lined up in lane 6, the rising star led from gun to finish to record the fastest time 7.67s of both heats and the form was showing ahead of the final which was timed for 12.55. Competing in finals is now a regular occurrance for Katie Bergin, but still the nerves are part and parcel of competing in finals.

Again in lane 6, the sprinter powered out of the blocks, establishing an early advantage during the drive phase and sensationally secured her three in a row 60m National Titles in a new PB of 7.62seconds following a fantastic race, with Aisling Kelly UCD AC second and Hannah Aspell of Celbridge AC third.

With one title secured, attention now turned to the 200m. There was little time to relax and embrace the moment so Katie focused on the next task at hand.

With the first heat timed for just over an hour - again drawn in heat one of the three heats - with only the winner of each heat to qualify for the final, Katie set out her stall early on. The in form Moyne AC star crossed the line in first place to take one of the automatic qualifying places.

Then there was time to take stock as there was a two and a half hour break to the final at 5pm. That time is all about managing the minutes to be in prime shape for the final which rolled around quickly.

Again out in lane six, Katie stormed out of the blocks by setting out her stall down the back straight to gain a slight advantage over Emma Guion of Lagan Valley AC Belfast and Caoimhe Cronin from Kildare.

Coming off the last bend Katie extended her lead to win by .43 of a second from the afore mentioned Emma and Caoimhe. The double-double completed, its a remarkable achievement for this young Galmoy lady who is now the proud holder of six Under 23 National Titles and one National Senior 200m title.

Its a quick turn around as next weekend Katie heads to The AI Games in Abbottstown where the best of Ireland and many UK athletes will take part.