Enya Silkena, a 16-year-old prodigy from Ratoath AC, is setting the athletics scene ablaze with her outstanding performances in both heptathlon and javelin. Guided by her coaches, Modris Silkens and John Shields, Enya has captured attention on both national and international stages.
Enya's journey is studded with remarkable achievements. She has been crowned County Louth's Best Athlete of the Year for three consecutive years, a testament to her unparalleled talent and sheer athletic ability. Her name is etched in the records books, holding numerous titles in Louth, Leinster, and National javelin and long jump events.
Internationally, Enya has represented Ireland with pride, competing in England, Scotland, and Montenegro. Her prowess was on full display at the DNA U20 Europeans Clash of the Clubs in Italy, where she excelled in javelin. Additionally, she showcased her versatility by competing in the heptathlon at the U18 European Youth Olympics 2023 in Slovenia.
Her exceptional skills have earned her the title of Leinster's Star Athlete for two consecutive years. At the Tailteann Games, she was awarded the Ailish Sheehan trophy for being the best thrower for two years running. Enya's versatility and excellence in multiple events were further recognised when she received The Marion Feehan Award at the National Juvenile Awards.
At the aforementioned Tailteann Games, Enya shattered the National U18 and Tailteann Games records in javelin, a feat that left the athletics community in awe.
Enya’s ambitions are as impressive as her achievements. In the short term, she is focused on maximising her performance at the upcoming European U18 Championships this summer. This call-up, announced just a couple of days ago, was a proud moment for everyone involved with her journey.
Casting her eye further down the line, Enya aims to qualify for the U20 and U23 European Championships, and ultimately, the World Championships. Enya continues to push her limits and set new benchmarks and goals, and her talent and continuous growth in her disciplines is sure to keep her on track to achieve her aspirations.
As she continues to break records and push boundaries, Run Republic and the Irish Athletics fanbase cannot wait to see what comes next for Enya Silkena!
Featured Image: by Perri Williams