Staying on track with asthma

GIVEN that 2012 will see a variety of major sporting events — the Olympics, Euro 2012 — many people with asthma will feel like they can only look on as others participate in sport.

But many Irish men, including Ireland defender John O’Shea, Ireland rugby player Ronan O’Gara, and Derry City midfielder Ruairdhi Higgins all live, train and compete with asthma. More than 470,000 people live with asthma across the country.

So does Olympic hopeful Brian Gregan, 22, who won a silver medal in the 400 metres at the 2011 European Under 23 Championships. Representing Dublin City University, where he studies sports science, he finished fifth at the World University Games in China in August 2011.