JERSEY firefighter Sam Horsfall has returned from the World Police and Fire Games in Adelaide, Australia with three medals - two gold and one bronze.
Horsfall, who travelled with fellow competitors Richard Davy and Andy Munns, retained the half-marathon title in the 30-35 age group while winning gold in the 1500 metres and bronze in the five-kilometre cross country.
Horsfall said: ‘Competition was much tougher than Quebec two years ago, I’m delighted to have done so well and really surprised how well it all went.
‘I used to run track events at school so I decided to take part in the 1500 and 5000 metres.
The 1500 was the day before the half and I still can’t believe I won.
I led from the start and I punched the air twice when I finished - I was so, so pleased.
‘The half was my quickest time I’ve ever; 1 hour 35 minutes was three minutes better than my previous best and, amazingly, I won the age group by 13 minutes! ‘Conditions were perfect, there was no wind, it was cool starting at 7 o’clock in the morning and the course was really flat.’ Horsfall also competed in the 5,000 metres where she placed fifth.
‘I hated it,’ Horsfall said.
‘The 5,000 metre course was exceptionally hilly; I hated every minute of it.
I nearly entered the 10,000 - I’m glad I didn’t because I don’t think I could have got round that course twice!’ Davy, who took part in his ninth Games, competed in five bike events in the the 45-49 age group.
He took top ten places in all his events, the best being sixth in the sprints and seventh in a 17km time tria, the latter completed in 27 minutes and 58 seconds.
Munns, in the 40-45 section, placed fifth in the 800 metre sprint final, competitors reaching the final by way of points accumulation from four heats.
Munns said: ‘It was a great Games, the Austrialians really love their sport and they were extremely accommodating.
I’m disappointed not to have come home with a medal but it was a very worthwhile trip.’ Munns also competed in a time trial, a hill climb and a road race while a technical failure forced him out of the criterium race.
Article posted on 3rd May, 2007 - 12.00am
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