Emotional Heffernan has big plans for future
Among the crowds at Dublin Airport to greet 35-year-old Robert Heffernan were his biggest fans — children Cathal (10) and Meghan (8). They had watched their dad race walk his way to victory and into athletics history on the television at home in Cork.
“I was very emotional because it was our dad who was world champion,” said Meghan in reaction to seeing him breast the tape in first.
“I knew he was going to medal but I didn’t know he was going to get first,” said Cathal, who was momentarily worried his dad would be caught by Australian Jarred Tallent, who ultimately finished third.
“Once I saw he was two minutes clear I knew he was going to win it,” Cathal added.
The affable Heffernan re-announced his dream of opening up a walking school of excellence at the emotional homecoming, which began in Dublin before making its way to Cork.
Well done again @RM_Heffernan!! #worldchampion pic.twitter.com/CDKIXwnrgO
— RedFM Sport (@BigRedBench) August 16, 2013
“It’s unbelievable. I’m just trying to take it in,” said an initially speechless Heffernan in Dublin’s Terminal 2.
“I’ve a dream of creating a walking school in Cork. As great as I think I am, and I am great,” he joked to the delight of the crowd, “I think there are even more talented athletes out there.
“I’m delighted because I came from a very humble background and very humble beginnings. I went off and I trained with [Robert] Korzeniowski [multiple Olympic champion] and I trained in Spain and I trained all over the world. And I put my own system together over the last four or five years.
“I feel I have so much to give back to the sport.
“I really believe after being away with all the other nations that we definitely have the talent in this country to compete on the global stage. I want to give that back.
“Even the lads I’m training, Brendan [Boyce, who came 25th in Moscow] set a PB [3:54:24] and Luke [Hickey] did really well in the juniors. The recipe for success is there.”
President of Athletics Ireland Ciaran O’Cathain believes the Togher AC athlete will bring the dream to fruition and make his new race walk school a successful venture.
“I think he’s going to be an icon for us,” said O’Cathain, who is also the president of Athlone IT. “I think he will do it and I think he will be hugely successful.”
Marian, Rob’s wife and coach, was exhausted having had only four hours’ sleep in the last few days in their efforts to talk to all the media and wellwishers.
.@RM_Heffernan is home! Congratulations from everyone Rob, the whole country is proud of you! #worldchampion pic.twitter.com/thACk7ujx6
— RedFM Sport (@BigRedBench) August 16, 2013
“We’re exhausted. We were over in Russia and when we got the medal, we wanted to get back home and share it with everyone and go back and see the kids,” said Heffernan.
Despite the late hour and long wait, thousands turned out in Cork city last night to await Rob’s arrival and to share their delight in his achievements. For the many youngsters allowed up late for the occasion — most of them too young to remember Sonia O’Sullivan or Eamonn Coghlan — it was their first chance to see a world champion in the flesh. It was a moment Rob had dreamt of all his life.
Outside Soho is massive and people are lined up almost the full length of Patrick's St. Great turnout for Rob Heffernan.
— Alan Healy (@AlanHealy) August 16, 2013
With no plans for retirement — he believes he has plenty to give in the build up to Rio de Janeiro, with the announcement that RTÉ have won broadcasting rights to air the Olympics in 2016 — there is no doubt the upcoming generation will have more medals to celebrate.
“It’s when I stop improving I’ll move aside,” said Heffernan. “I still believe I’ve a lot to give and I’ll keep on competing as long as I feel competitive.”
Jealous 2nite of Shandon Bell Tower, my Cork counterpart, looking down on celebrations 4a great HERO and proud son, Rob Heffernan. RESPECT!
— Tweety Stone (@TheTweetyStone) August 16, 2013
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