Irish Masters Team Begin Medal Hunt as World Championships Start Today

A total of 28 Irish Masters athletes will compete at the World Masters Athletics Championships in Daegu, South Korea.

The event takes place from 22nd Aug to 4th Sep 2026. A total of over 6,000 athletes from 105 countries will take part, including 106 yr old Sawang Janpram from Thailand (Discus and Javelin).

One of the 1st Irish athletes to compete will be 81 year old John MacDermott (Sligo AC). He will compete in the Decathlon and will have a very strong chance of a medal (possibly Gold), with a shot at the World Record not beyond his current form. John also goes in the 400m and the 209m Hurdles.

Other Irish athletes with very strong claims for medals include:

Edel Maguire (W65 - Clonliffe Harriers) - 100m, 200, 400m, High Jump

Chris Sibanda (M35 - Clonliffe Harriers) - 100m and 200m

Sean McMullin (M80 - Mullingar Harriers) - all 3 Race Walks- 5000m Track, 10k Road, 20k Road

Rachel Murphy (W40 - Plant Based AC) - 8k Cross-country, 800m, 1500m and 5k Track

Team Manager - Anne Gormley, Physio - Ian Egan