David Gillick predicts stardom for Phil Healy

When it comes to the 400m, Ireland has never had an athlete quite like David Gillick, and during last weekend’s World Indoor Championships he was an interested spectator — though from afar — as Phil Healy ignited hope that the glory days may yet return.

Gillick, who holds the national record at 44.77, had planned to be in Birmingham on behalf of RTÉ but had to watch on TV after being unable to travel due to Storm Emma. It was another gloomy championships for the Irish, with all five competitors falling short of their season’s bests, though Healy’s performance certainly lifted the spirits.

“Phil was the leading light,” he said. “She had a decent championships and with the indoor season she had, a semi-final was always within her grasp. A final would have been a big ask, but the way she ran was impressive — confidently, aggressively.”